HLS Manager

The High-Level Software (HLS)/Control Systems (CS) Lead is critical to the Observatorys ability to operate safely reliably and as an integrated scientific system. By serving as the technical authority and architect for the Observatory Control System and Global Interlock System this role ensures that complex hardware software and operational elements function together as a coherent whole. Strong architectural leadership at this level reduces technical risk enables scalability across sites and protects long-term scientific capability.

This role provides the continuity and technical governance needed to translate scientific and operational requirements into robust maintainable control system solutions. Through disciplined requirements management design standards and cross-team coordination the HLS/CS Lead safeguards system performance safety and schedule while enabling efficient collaboration among internal teams and external partners. Without this leadership the Observatory would face increased integration risk higher lifecycle costs and reduced operational resilience.

The ngGONG project is currently funded for a three-year design phase with the potential for additional funding contingent upon selection to advance into construction.

This position is based in Boulder Colorado on the University of Colorado campus.

What Youll Do

HLS/CS Team Management & Oversight

• Serve as the software manager and system architect for the Observatory Control System (OCS) and all related software subsystems.
• Serve as software manager for the ngGONG Data Management System and data processing software including the interface to the NSO Data Center.
• Serve as the technical lead and system architect for the Global Interlock System (GIS).
• Act as Control Account Manager (CAM) for HLS/CS overseeing budgets schedules and risk management.
• Participate in project reviews design baselines and configuration-controlled documentation processes.
• Provide regular reporting to the Project Manager and participate in governance and review activities.
• Lead hiring mentoring and day-to-day technical oversight of HLS/CS programmers staff and contractors.

Requirements Designs & Specifications Development

• Establish technology choices trade studies design standards and integration strategies across multiple observatory sites.
• Engage with observatory operations user communities and external stakeholders on system concepts and interfaces.
• Coordinate with Systems Engineering Science and subsystem leads to ensure unified end-to-end architecture.
• Define decompose and maintain traceability of HLS/CS design requirements and interfaces.
• Produce and maintain formal specifications ICDs API definitions and design documents.
• Lead detailed design of OCS subsystems including communication patterns API architecture and data flows.
• Manage detailed design of the data collection storage and processing.
• Define and implement strategies for simulations test harnesses and digital twins used for verification.
• Ensure reliability safety and cybersecurity considerations are incorporated into designs.
• Provide technical oversight of vendors and subcontractors delivering HLS/CS or safety-related software/hardware.

Post-Project Planning & Estimating

• Develop plans and cost estimates for future HLS/CS design completion efforts.
• Develop plans and cost estimates for future HLS/CS construction deployment or implementation activities.

Core Competencies

• Technical Leadership & Architecture Leads design and architecture of complex multi-site control systems with a systems-level perspective.
• Project & Risk Management Effectively plans estimates and manages cost schedule and risk activities; performs as CAM for HLS/CS.
• Systems Thinking Integrates requirements across engineering science and operations to support unified control system design.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Communicates technical concepts clearly and engages effectively with internal and external partners.
• Team Leadership & Development Hires mentors and directs programmers and technical staff in day-to-day and long-term work.
• Analytical & Decision-Making Skills Conducts trade studies evaluates technologies and selects solutions aligned with project goals.
• Quality Safety & Reliability Focus Ensures designs incorporate reliability cybersecurity safety and maintainability.
• Vendor & Contractor Oversight Manages external contributors to ensure compliance with technical quality and design standards.

Why NSO

At the National Solar Observatory youll join a mission-driven community working at the frontier of solar science. Our teams are dedicated to understanding the Sun in ways that protect technology enhance scientific discovery and inspire global audiences. NSO offers a collaborative forward-thinking environment where curiosity is encouraged varied perspectives are valued and employees can make a tangible impact on science and society. Here you will have the opportunity to grow your career lead innovative outreach programs and help shape the national conversation around solar physics and space weather.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science Software Engineering Electrical Engineering Systems Engineering or related field.
• Approximately 8 years of experience in software architecture control systems or large distributed systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams or serving as a system architect.
• Experience developing requirements ICDs APIs specifications and complex design documentation.
• Proven experience managing budgets schedules and risk in large technical projects.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering and scientific teams.
• Knowledge of reliability safety and cybersecurity principles in mission-critical control systems.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in a related field.
• Experience with observatory systems large scientific facilities or high-reliability industrial control systems.
• Experience with simulations digital twins or automated test frameworks.
• Experience managing vendors and technical contractors.
• Experience integrating control systems across multiple sites or facilities.

Physical Requirements

Thephysicaldemands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files office tools attendance in a meeting room etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills such as a calculator copy machine computer printer etc.
• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish discern and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may berequired(summit elevations range from 6800 feet to 14000 feet)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties responsibilities and skillsrequiredby personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $173000 to $200000. The final salary will depend on skills qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions competitive salary commensurate with experience and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at NSO and AURA

The National Solar Observatory is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) a consortium of leading universities and research institutions committed to advancing astronomical discovery. AURA manages world-class observatories for the National Science Foundation providing scientific leadership operational excellence and a collaborative environment that supports groundbreaking research. As part of AURA NSO benefits from shared resources and a community dedicated to innovation transparency and public service ensuring its work has broad and lasting impact.

How to Apply:

If youre interested in providing high-level administrative support for a mission-driven scientific program at one of the worlds premier observatories we encourage you to apply. Applications received by February 192026 will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

Submit your CV and cover letter (PDF format preferred) via our application system. Please name your files in the format: .

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at

Required Experience:

Manager