Project Manager III-IV

 Position Description:

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious and diverse research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory is an exciting and dynamic organization that is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe through the construction and operation of some of the most powerful telescopes in the world. Whether you are a scientist, engineer, project manager, or simply someone who is fascinated by the cosmos, the NRAO offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, explore, and discover.

The North American Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) Support Center, located at the NRAO headquarters in Charlottesville, VA, is expanding the project team responsible for upgrading the ALMA Radio Telescope located in the remote Chilean Andes Mountains. Already the most capable millimeter-wave telescope ever built, ALMA is currently initiating a system-wide upgrade that will substantially increase its capabilities. We are seeking an experienced project manager for projects within the integrated upgrade program. You will have the opportunity to combine your extensive project management experience in complex software development with your passion to contribute to the future of millimeter wave astronomy.

Your Impact

• Successfully lead all project management tasks for the upgraded correlator software subsystem and other related projects within the overall upgrade program
• Expertly optimize resources among assigned projects, determine scheduling priorities, and otherwise coordinate project components for best overall outcome
• Monitor and report KPIs, milestones, and other progress metrics
• Provide written periodic progress reports to the Observatory including KPIs, milestones, and other progress metrics
• Lead project teams through successful gate reviews Effectively coordinate with all levels of the international project teams and stakeholders

Work Environment

Work is typically performed in an office setting within a research or development environment. The successful candidate is expected to work on-site at one of the NRAO/GBO sites (Albuquerque or Socorro New Mexico; Charlottesville, Virginia; or Green Bank West Virginia. Occasional domestic and international travel will be required. A partial telework arrangement may be considered in accordance with the NRAO telework policies after the first year of employment.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, or related field
• At least seven years of experience as a project manager actively leading scientific software development projects, preferably those related to digital electronics systems or RF data processing
• Demonstrated experience with core program management responsibilities: risk management, scheduling, process engineering, testing, quality and product assurance principles and applications, reporting, acquisition, budgeting
• Demonstrated experience managing both waterfall and agile software development projects
• Knowledge of or experience with one or more of the following areas: radio telescopes; RF, microwave, or millimeter wave systems; high-speed digital electronics, electrical engineering; complex image processing; astronomical data processing
• Interest in learning new radio-astronomy related technologies and science
• Flexibility and interest in learning project management skills for non-software projects like hardware or civil projects

Competency Summary

• Strong interpersonal, teaming, and leadership skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Proactive work ethic and ability to work both with a team and independently
• Ability to build consensus between stakeholders when necessary

Total Rewards:

The NRAO offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

The NRAO strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting level and pay may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications. Internal equity and labor market conditions are taken into consideration when determining starting pay of the successful candidate.

Benefits:

NRAO’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. NRAO provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. NRAO’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

The posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Equal 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 [email protected].

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)

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