Software Engineer I

The NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), operated by the National Solar Observatory (NSO), is the world’s largest and most advanced solar telescope, designed to help answer fundamental questions about our Sun and its complex magnetic fields; help resolve the fundamental interactions between solar magnetic fields and the dynamic atmospheric plasma on scales below 0.1arcsec over entire active regions. DKIST, which completed construction and began operations in November 2021 on the summit of Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii is a major program within the NSO. The NSO, an NSF national research and development center dedicated to solar science, is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA). AURA, a consortium of 49 U.S. institutions and 3 international affiliates, operates world-class astronomical observatories. Its role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that drive innovative astronomical research.

NSO is hiring for a Software Engineer I to support the development, testing and maintenance of the high level software systems that enable telescope operations, instrumentation control and data acquisition. This will include working with PLCs and other low-level controllers all the way up to user interfaces and support for telescope operators, scientists, and engineers. They will work under the guidance of senior software engineers to write reliable code, troubleshoot issues and help integrate hardware and software components.

Essential Functions 

• Implement and Maintain Code: Develop features, bug fixes, and enhancements for telescope control systems, instrumentation software, and data services under supervision.
• Testing and Validation: Write unit and integration tests; assist with system validation during development and prior to deployment.
• Operational Support: Troubleshoot routine software issues during observing operations and assist with incident resolution.
• Documentation: Maintain clear technical documentation for code, configuration, and operational procedures.
• Continuous Learning and Collaboration: Learn observatory systems, development standards, and domain knowledge while collaborating effectively with engineers, scientists, and operators.
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and productive workplace by maintaining open communication, supporting team efforts, and fostering a sense of belonging within the team.
• Work in accordance with applicable safety standards. Ensure safety of operations in areas under purview. Report any unsafe conditions and practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or related field
• Experience in software development including Linux, Java, C++, and Python programming
• Ability to work within an established software framework
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Basic level of networking knowledge
• Commitment to stay abreast of current-market hardware and software
• Sensitive to and respectful of cultural and environmental

Preferred Qualifications

• Agile software development using Atlassian JIRA.
• Experience in GUI development, databases, communications middleware
• Experience with Make, cmake, Maven, Git, Ubuntu Linux, and various IDEs
• Experience in unit and system testing
• Understanding of CI/CD and DevOps in general

 Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, and similar. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others (per the needs of specific function).

Physical Demands

The physical demands 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.
• Frequent 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.
• Frequent need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Frequently moves technology equipment weighing up to 20 pounds throughout office locations.
• 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.
• Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States including travel to the various observatory sites (Chile and Hawai`i).
• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 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 skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes an Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.

Salary Range: $80,000-$95,000 annually. 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 Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources

Apply by April 27, 2016, for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.

 

Operates astronomical observatories and manages space mission operations.