Software Engineer Test and Quality

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 develops and maintains software used by the astronomy community for proposing planning scheduling and analyzing observations made with these telescopes. We are seeking a mid-level Software Engineer with strong software testing experience to join the Science User Applications Group (SUA). SUA builds some of the Observatorys most visible user-facing software including the NRAO Science Archive and the Science Proposal applications. You will help ensure that these applications are reliable well tested and easy to change with will have the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of tools critical to the Observatory for both current telescopes and the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA).This 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 Doing:Your initial focus will be on the NRAO Science Archive working with the Archive Team. Over time your work may extend to other SUA teams including the team responsible for Proposal Submission. Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to:Designing building and maintaining a robust automated test infrastructure covering unit integration and end-to-end testingWriting and maintaining automated tests for both backend services and web user interfacesIntegrating testing into CI/CD pipelines so problems are caught early and releases are dependableIdentifying performance bottlenecks and regressions through profiling and load testingWorking with developers to improve testability diagnose defects and raise code quality across the groups applicationsContributing to the design and delivery of key components of these systemsTeam members also maintain and upgrade existing software and develop new tools that support the Observatorys evolving observing methods helping keep the Observatory at the forefront of science and EnvironmentYou will join a team of professionals engaged in research and development in science engineering software development and education. Work is typically performed in a research or development environment. Who You Are: You have:A bachelors degree in computer science engineering a scientific field or related field; highly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelors degree. An advanced degree is not required but is welcome.A minimum of one year experience in the development of software least three years of professional experience in software development or software testing is preferred with a significant portion focused on test automation and quality be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in be familiar with standard software engineering concepts practices and procedures through academic training or internship experience(s). CompetenciesProfessional experience designing and implementing automated tests including unit integration and end-to-end testsExperience with testing frameworks and tools such as pytest JUnit Jasmine/Karma Cypress Playwright or SeleniumExperience with version control and with building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines that run automated testsExperience developing software in Python Java or a comparable languageExperience testing web applications and APIs and an understanding of HTTP and RESTful servicesExperience debugging and profiling software systems including diagnosing performance problemsUnderstanding of object-oriented design and the ability to write maintainable well-structured codeExperience with relational databases and the ability to create and manage test dataDemonstrated ability to learn and apply new languages frameworks and toolsStrong interpersonal and communication skills both verbally and in writingThe ability and interest to work as part of a team in a Scrum not required you may have:Familiarity with web front-end technologies such as Angular TypeScript and webpackExperience with performance and load testing toolsFamiliarity with containerization technologies such as Docker Docker Compose Docker Swarm or KubernetesFamiliarity with object-relational mapping (for example SQLAlchemy) and messaging systems such as RabbitMQExperience with test strategy test planning and defect trackingFamiliarity with basic astronomical principles and data reductionAdditional RequirementObservatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor new H-1B Visas for this Rewards: CompensationThe starting salary of this position is between $96588 and $120000. Factors which may affect starting pay 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: For consideration select the Apply button above. Please be prepared upload a cover letter describing your interest in this position along with a current resume. We reserve the right to close this posting prior to the listed expiration date above based on the volume and/or quality of the applicant 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