Software Engineer II-III (4830)
Company: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Albuquerque
Posted on: March 17, 2023
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Job Description:
National Radio Astronomy ObservatoryPosition Description:
Position SummaryJoin the software development team that created and
maintains the operational software for the ALMA Radio Telescope.
The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is an array
of 66 radio antennas located at 16,500 feet (5,000 meters)
elevation in the remote Chilean Andes. Its scientific capabilities
are, by a large factor, better than any other millimeter wave radio
telescope. ALMA was commissioned in 2013 and is one of the largest
ground-based astronomical projects on the world. ALMA is used to
investigate the cosmic origins of the Universe, and is supported by
a diverse technical team on four continents (North America, South
America, Europe and East Asia). We are seeking a Software Engineer
(II-III) to join the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)
North American (NA) ALMA Software Team in the Control Software
Group. Collectively, the NA ALMA software team designs, implements
and maintains the software used to operate the ALMA telescopes.
This includes the software for automatically selecting what to
observe (Scheduling software), software that decomposes high-level
parameters into the commands sent to each piece of hardware
(Control software) and software that collects the data and
processes it down to a manageable volume (Correlator software).
This requires close interaction with a diverse range of people on
multiple continents. The software team frequently diagnoses and
corrects difficult and subtle problems that can affect the
telescope operations and data quality.ALMA is currently in the
planning stages of a system-wide upgrade that will initially
double, and eventually quadruple, ALMAs system bandwidth. The
successful applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to the
next generation of significant software and hardware upgrades to
the ALMA telescope control system. We are a small team that values
curiosity, diligence, and professional communication. There is
potential to grow into leadership of significant software
infrastructure upgrades, and to design, prototype, and install new
software technologies. We operate in an environment of continuous
upgrades to both ALMA and to our teams skills.Job Duties
SummaryInitially the person selected will be responsible for
maintaining and improving applications that configure, control and
monitor the hardware devices on the ALMA telescopes. The successful
candidate will develop new features, upgrades, and improve and
maintain features already implemented. The successful candidate
will engage in technical discussions with software developers,
electrical engineers and instrument scientists at remote locations
to ensure the software works as expected.Testing is an integral
part of the development process and it is expected that the
applicant will write and maintain test software that will be run in
an automated way. They will also help maintain the internal test
systems used, daily, for initial testing of the software. Longer
term, the successful applicant may move into designing,
implementing, testing and maintaining a more diverse range of
software in the NA ALMA software team, such as web-based services
and user interfaces. This may require programming in Java or Python
and require the research and use of new software
technologies.Essential responsibilities and duties will include,
but are not limited to:Maintaining and improving applications that
control devices on the ALMA TelescopesManaging and contributing
code to large projects within the ALMA code baseGathering
requirements by working with engineers and scientists at multiple
locationsProactively diagnosing and troubleshooting problems found
in the verification and validation of softwareUtilizing continuous
integration to automate builds and testingParticipating in
multi-country ALMA-wide software meetingsCommunicating effectively
with staff at all ALMA sitesThis position will be located at one of
the NRAO facilities in Charlottesville (VA), Socorro (NM), or
Albuquerque (NM). The successful candidate will join a distributed
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, with the potential for international travel and
occasional work at high altitudes.In addition to competitive pay,
NRAO provides excellent paid time off benefits (vacation and sick
leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first
day of employment. NRAOs retirement benefit contributes an amount
equal to 10 percent of a qualified participants base pay. No
contribution is required of the employee; we also offer an optional
supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement
contributions. Additionally, NRAO offers educational benefits and
professional development programs.Work 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. May occasionally work at high altitudes. Must be
able to communicate effectively both verbally and in
writing.Position Requirements: Minimum EducationBachelors degree in
computer science, engineering, scientific or related field is
required; highly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of
Bachelors degree.Preferred EducationAdvanced degree in computer
science, engineering, scientific or related field. Minimum
ExperienceAt least one year of direct or related experience in
software development commensurate with stated qualifications. In
addition:Proficiency with Linux or Unix operating systemsStrong
interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills in English
Experience working in a distributed teamAt least 4 of the following
skills in the Competency Summary (below). Please list all that are
applicable in the cover letter.Prefered ExperienceAt least three
years of direct or related experience in software
development.Competency SummaryUnderstanding of object-oriented
design and developmentExperience developing software using
C++Experience developing software using JavaExperience developing
or testing threaded softwareExperience using version control
software as part of software development & bug fixing.Experience
with software testing and debugging. Experience with graphical user
interface development (please list which technologies).Graduate
level understanding of astronomy and interferometry.Understanding
of Digital signal processing and Fourier theory.Experience with
observatory operations.Experience with understanding large, complex
software systems.Application Instructions: Apply online at the NRAO
Careers page; upload CV/Resume and letter of applicationEqual
Opportunity Employer Statement: AUI is an equal opportunity
employer. Women, Minorities, Vietnam-Era Veterans, Disabled
Veterans, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged
to apply. To view our complete statement, please visit
http://jobs.jobvite.com/nrao/jobs. If you require reasonable
accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due
to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email to
resumes@nrao.edu. PM20 The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer
(M/F/D/V)The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of
the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative
agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.PI208099601
Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Albuquerque , Software Engineer II-III (4830), IT / Software / Systems , Albuquerque, New Mexico
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