Head of Software Engineering

Position Description:Position SummaryThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes galaxies and the early NRAO is seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Software Engineering (Software Division Head) to lead one of the Observatorys most critical technical organizations. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Data Management & Software (DMS) the Head of Software Engineering provides strategic operational and technical leadership for a diverse team of software engineering professionals responsible for developing and supporting software systems that enable scientific discovery telescope operations data management and Observatory-wide Head of Software Engineering oversees the Divisions programmatic direction personnel management and budget planning while fostering collaboration across scientific engineering operations and information technology organizations. The successful candidate will be a proven leader who can guide organizational and technical evolution strengthen engineering practices and build high-performing teams capable of delivering reliable scalable software systems in support of the Observatorys position may be located at any NRAO facility (Charlottesville VA; Socorro or Albuquerque NM; Green Bank WV). Hybrid or remote work arrangements may be considered for highly qualified You Will Be DoingThis is a senior leadership position requiring a combination of strategic vision organizational leadership and technical credibility. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Division Leadership & StrategyProviding overall leadership and strategic direction for the Software DivisionDeveloping and executing division plans that support Observatory priorities scientific goals and operational requirementsEnsuring accountability for Division objectives deliverables and Program Operating Plan (POP) commitmentsRepresenting the Division in reviews planning activities and leadership discussionsLeading organizational initiatives that improve effectiveness adaptability and long-term sustainability of software engineering capabilitiesProgram & Resource ManagementManaging Division budgets staffing plans and resource allocation across multiple groups and initiativesOverseeing software development portfolios and ensuring effective prioritization planning and delivery of strategic and operational initiativesSupporting workforce planning and long-term organizational sustainabilityEstablishing effective planning and delivery processes that promote transparency adaptability and predictable executionTechnical Leadership & Engineering ExcellenceProviding leadership for cross-division and Observatory-wide software initiativesPromoting software engineering best practices technical standards and quality processes across the organizationEncouraging modern software development practices that improve collaboration quality maintainability and delivery outcomesPeople Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentLeading mentoring and supporting Group Managers and technical leadersFostering a culture of trust accountability collaboration innovation and continuous improvementSupporting recruitment performance management career development and succession planningChampioning professional development and workforce growth initiativesCreating an environment that supports learning innovation and continuous improvementEnsuring standardization and equity in the hiring and compensation of software engineersCollaboration & Stakeholder EngagementBuilding strong partnerships with scientific staff Observatory operations engineering organizations project teams and institutional leadershipSupporting matrix-managed teams working across projects telescope operations and software organizationsCommunicating technical and strategic information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiencesProviding consultation and support to the Assistant Director for Data Management & Software and other senior leaders on matters relevant to Observatory programs and strategyGovernance Compliance & OperationsEnsuring adherence to institutional policies federal requirements cybersecurity expectations and established proceduresMaintaining effective operational processes and management practices across the DivisionSupporting Observatory-wide planning risk management and reporting activitiesMaintaining alignment with Observatory software lifecycle practices and engineering governance frameworksWho You Are:You have a bachelors degree in Computer Science Software Engineering Computer Engineering or a related technical discipline; highly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degreeAt least seven (7) years of progressively more responsible experience in software engineering including experience leading technical teams projects or organizational functionsDemonstrated experience leading software engineering organizations technical programs or large-scale development teamsExperience managing budgets personnel and organizational priorities in a complex technical environmentDemonstrated success leading technical organizations through growth modernization process improvement or organizational changeExperience with iterative or incremental software development practices and modern delivery approachesStrong leadership communication and stakeholder management skillsProven ability to build collaborative relationships across multiple disciplines and organizational boundariesAbility to balance strategic planning with operational executionPreferredTen (10) years of relevant software engineering experience including leadership of managers technical leads or multidisciplinary engineering teamsExperience supporting scientific research engineering or mission-critical operational environmentsFamiliarity with large-scale software systems scientific computing cloud platforms data-intensive applications or observatory operationsExperience working with federally funded research organizations or similar mission-driven institutionsCompetency SummaryStrategic Leadership: Develops vision and direction while aligning resources to organizational prioritiesEngineering Excellence: Promotes sound engineering practices technical quality and continuous improvementOrganizational Leadership: Builds resilient high-performing teams and guides organizational evolutionCollaboration & Influence: Creates strong partnerships across diverse stakeholder communitiesCommunication: Clearly conveys complex technical and strategic concepts to varied audiencesExecution & Delivery: Translates strategy into results through effective planning prioritization and follow-throughAdditional RequirementObservatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.A moderate amount (4-6 trips per year) of travel both domestic and international may be Rewards: CompensationThe starting salary of this position is between $144755 - $178000. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education experience skills competencies other qualifications of the successful candidate as well as internal equity and labor market Universities Inc (AUI) offers a comprehensive benefits package addressing the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment subject to eligibility requirements. AUI provides:Excellent paid time off (13 holidays annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)Medical dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay with no required employee Total Rewards for more Instructions: Select the Apply Now button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the Opportunity Employer Statement: AUI is an equal opportunity employer. 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