Research Engineer

Who We Are

Murmuration is a nonprofit organization that amplifies the power of civic engagement by providing data, digital tools, and research-driven insights to community-focused organizations so that together we can create an America where everyone can lead healthy, free, and dignified lives.

Every day, people are trying to shape our future for the better. Fighting for water that’s safe to drink. Schools that serve students equitably. Gun laws that make sense. And rallying people who care like we do. And yet too often the skillful organizers working to mobilize communities lack access to technology that could supercharge their efforts. Knocking on every door instead of knowing which will open most easily. And going up against outside interests that have half the heart, but twice the tools.

In communities across America, Murmuration’s partners are leveraging our data, tools, and insights to help thousands of organizers orchestrate millions of individual people to do big things together. Demand big things together. To create the world they want. Together.

About the Position

The Research Engineer will play a pivotal role in advancing Explorer—Murmuration’s newest research tool that transforms complex datasets into actionable insights for community-focused organizations. You’ll design and build scalable systems that not only empower grassroots organizations to make data-driven decisions but also strengthen our internal research capabilities, driving innovation across the organization.

Our work is at the intersection of data, AI, and social impact, helping to shape how research informs civic engagement efforts. You’ll collaborate closely with data scientists, researchers, and other teams to prototype, develop, and optimize tools that unlock new possibilities for understanding communities.

In addition to developing features for Explorer, you’ll contribute to building the underlying infrastructure and tools that support research and data across Murmuration—ensuring that both internal teams and partners have the insights they need to make meaningful change.

Job Level: IC3

What You’ll Do

• Design, build, and optimize features for Research tools that transform complex datasets into actionable insights for both community partners and internal teams;

• Develop scalable research tools and infrastructure to support internal data and data science efforts, enabling deeper analysis and faster iteration;
• Collaborate cross-functionally with data scientists, researchers, and other teams to prototype, test, and deploy data-driven solutions that address real-world organizing challenges;
• Implement and refine data pipelines and integrations, ensuring performance, reliability, and accessibility across large, complex datasets;
• Integrate emerging technologies, including AI and machine learning, to enhance Explorer’s capabilities and provide richer insights; and
• Solve complex technical challenges while contributing to the long-term strategy for Explorer and Murmuration’s research tools.

Requirements

• 4+ years of software engineering experience with a focus on full-stack applications, especially in data-driven domains;
• Strong programming skills in languages commonly used for data engineering or scientific computing (e.g., Python, Java, Scala) and familiarity with full-stack development;
• Experience designing and building scalable data systems, including data pipelines, APIs, and infrastructure to process large and complex datasets;
• Proficiency with databases and data processing frameworks (e.g., SQL, Spark, Airflow) and a solid understanding of data architecture best practices;
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and infrastructure tools like CDK, terraform, Docker or Kubernetes and IaC (e.g., Terraform, CDK);
• Exposure to AI/ML technologies, with the ability to integrate models into production systems or enhance data-driven features;
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate technical challenges and make informed decisions based on past experience;
• Effective collaboration and communication skills with experience working cross-functionally and explaining technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences;
• A proactive, self-directed approach, with the ability to independently execute well-scoped projects and contribute to broader technical strategy; and
• A passion for civic tech, social impact, or grassroots organizing and an interest in building tools that empower communities and drive social change.

Nice to Haves

• Familiarity with modern frontend frameworks (e.g., React, Vue) and building intuitive, data-rich user interfaces;
• Knowledge of data visualization tools or libraries (e.g., D3.js, Plotly) to present complex datasets in accessible ways;
• Exposure to AI/ML workflows, including model integration and deployment in production environments;
• Familiarity with organizing, advocacy, or civic tech and an understanding of how data can empower grassroots movements;
• Experience collaborating in cross-functional teams that include researchers, data scientists, and product managers; and
• A background in research engineering, data science, or a related technical field.

Talented Research Engineers come from all walks of life and career. If you are passionate about civic engagement and technology, please apply, even if you do not check every box!

At Murmuration, we value curiosity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to civic engagement. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills to challenges that truly matter—helping communities across the country organize more effectively and advocate for meaningful change.

Benefits

Location and Compensation

The Research Engineer is a full-time, salaried position with a comprehensive benefits package (more detail below). It is based anywhere in the U.S. The starting salary range for this position is $105,000 - $130,000 and is commensurate with experience. This pay range reflects what the organization expects to offer for this position at the time of posting. In alignment with applicable laws, compensation will be determined based on the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and the specific requirements of the role. Please note that the organization may adjust this pay range as needed.

Our Culture of Care

We work hard to create a culture of care to ensure that our staff are best equipped to lead happy, healthy, and balanced lives. To that end, we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance with 100% of premiums covered for you and qualifying family members;
• Retirement benefits with a 5% employer match;
• A flexible unlimited PTO plan;
• Generous paid parental leave;
• Pre-tax commuter benefits;
• A company laptop;
• A flexible remote work environment;
• A home office setup stipend for all new employees;
• Monthly reimbursement for remote work expenses;
• A yearly professional development fund;
• Mental health and wellness benefits through Calm and Better Help; 
• Yearly in-person staff retreats; and
• A welcoming culture that celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Murmuration is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation and national origin. We reasonably accommodate staff members and/or applicants with disabilities, provided they are otherwise able to perform the essential functions of the job.

Note: Murmuration is two organizations working together to pursue our mission of amplifying the power of civic engagement: Murmuration Research Institute, a 501(c)(3) that conducts research to identify, design, and create the data, tools, and insights that build healthier and more equitable communities; and Murmuration, Inc., a 501(c)(4) that supports organizations working across the country on the nation’s most challenging issues with access to data, tools, and research that build healthier and more equitable communities.