Software Engineer II-III

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 is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to join the Online Software Group. The online system is the real-time heart of our observing software. It is responsible for configuring controlling and monitoring the real-time systems of our telescopes including the the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) spread across the US and its territories and the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in West Virginia. This software is responsible for taking scientific-domain configuration parameters and decomposing them into the hardware settings and motion commands required by our antennas and into the corresponding configurations for the associated digital signal processing instruments (e.g. VEGAS for the GBT and correlators for the VLA and the VLBA). When an observation runs this software is what makes it position will be based in Albuquerque NM Socorro NM Charlottesville VA or Green Bank WV. For well-qualified candidates a remote work arrangement may be You Will be DoingDesigning implementing testing and maintaining components of the online software that configure and control the VLA VLBA and GBT in real and extend the translation layer that decomposes scientific-domain observing parameters into the engineering parameters the hardware understands: IF-chain configurations antenna motion commands and digital signal processing configurations for instruments like VEGAS WIDAR and the observing domain in software frequency setups subband and baseband layouts polarization products timing and integration structure and implement the rules constraints and legality checks that determine which configurations are achievable on which from interface control documents and hardware specifications in close collaboration with the engineers and scientists who own the underlying subsystems to ensure the commands the online system emits are correct and and resolve issues that span the layers between a scientists observing specification and the command stream sent to the telescope often in collaboration with telescope operators engineers and scientific the evolution of the online system to meet new observing paradigms and instrumentation including work that informs and feeds into the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).Write and maintain critical documentation including requirements software design documents interface control documents and user in code review testing and release processes for software that runs mission-critical 24/7 scientific EnvironmentThe successful candidate will join a team of professionals engaged in research and development in the fields of science engineering software development and education. Work is typically performed in a research or development environment. Must be able to operate a personal computer. Occasional travel (domestic and international) may be You Are:EducationA Bachelors degree in computer science engineering scientific or related field; highly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelors not required you may have an advanced degree in a related field. ExperienceOne or more years of experience developing software applications. Candidates with progressively more experience will be considered for a higher-level position experience with radio astronomy operating software and procedures is of radio astronomy theories and practice would be experience providing technical leadership of complex data acquisition scheduling and operational support systems is and CompetenciesProficiency with Java; familiarity with C/C and Python is valuableA solid understanding of object-oriented design and developmentDemonstrated ability to learn and apply new software languages and unfamiliar domainsUnderstanding of networking concepts and technologies: multicast TCP UDP HTTP XML JSON RESTExperience with version control software testing methodologies and CI/CDStrong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work effectively with scientists and hardware engineersComfort working in a Linux (RHEL) environmentThe following are highly preferred:Experience translating high-level domain concepts into machine- or hardware-level representations compilers planners schedulers configuration engines or similar systems that turn intent into instructionsSkill in domain modeling and in expressing complex validation rules and constraints clearly in codeExperience with distributed systems or with control and monitoring software for scientific industrial or other physical instrumentsA working comfort with mathematics and unit-bearing quantities coordinate transformations frequency and time calculations and the care required to get them rightFamiliarity with signal processing concepts digital IF chains or correlator architecturesFamiliarity with basic astronomical principles radio astronomy or interferometryExperience collaborating in an Agile/Scrum environment including sprint planning estimating tasks and breaking down requirements into user storiesNote that this position does not involve direct hardware or firmware development; though an understanding of these systems and real-time control principles can be valuable. Your work will live at the layer above producing correct hardware-level configurations and commands from scientific intent against interfaces defined and maintained by RequirementObservatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this Rewards:CompensationThe starting salary of this position is between $87000 and $121000. 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 :Associated 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 button above. 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. To view our complete statement please visit If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process you may submit your request by sending an email to PM20