Associate Science Software Engineer II

Support NASA missions! The Space Telescope Science Institute is a multi-mission science and flight operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. We are looking for an energetic, enthusiastic and motivated software engineer to join the Science Operations and Engineering Division (SCOPE) team. This division has 80 staff responsible for preparing, planning, and scheduling science, engineering, and calibration observations for the HST, JWST, and Roman space telescopes. You will work with a team that is passionate about their work in supporting scientific discovery by astronomers from around the world.

This position can support a hybrid work schedule from home and onsite.  Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV) and be able to work on-site when needed.

This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence in order to meet ITAR requirements.

We are looking for an energetic, enthusiastic and motivated software engineer to join the Science Operations and Engineering Division (SCOPE) team. This division has 80 staff responsible for preparing, planning, and scheduling science, engineering, and calibration observations for the HST, JWST, and Roman space telescopes. You will work with a team that is passionate about their work in supporting scientific discovery by astronomers from around the world.

Responsibilities include:

In this position, you will work on an Agile team to develop software for the SPIKE system, a Lisp based software tool used for planning and scheduling Hubble Space Telescope, JWST, and Roman observations. 

• Work with diverse stakeholders to develop software requirements.
• Design, code and test new capabilities in addition to maintaining existing capabilities.
• Develop graphical tools for the display of planning and scheduling data using Java, JavaScript and other tools.
• Utilize software tools such as Git, Docker, and GitLab.
• Collaborate in a small team setting.
• Work independently, given a well-defined set of requirements.
• Adapt to changing requirements.
• Organize multiple projects.
• Document and report items as required.

Qualifications and the Job Requirements:

We invite you to apply if you have a BS/BA in Computer Science, or a related scientific or technical field and 0-3 years of software development experience, including:

• Experience with one or more object-oriented languages
• Experience developing applications solving computationally hard problems
• Basic competency in shell scripting and SQL databases
• Basic competency with a distributed version control system such as Git
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good problem solving and debugging skills
• Good collaboration skills

Preferred skills include:

• Experience in optimization software and/or artificial intelligence
• Knowledge of Lisp, Java, and JavaScript, Git, GitLab
• Agile development practices

Applications received by November 22, 2023, will receive full consideration. 

The salary range for this position is between $70k - $80k. Substitution of additional relevant education and/or experience for stated qualifications may be considered.

Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Our excellent benefits include:

• Employer retirement contribution – direct STScI contribution of 10% of your salary from your first day
• 12 days sick leave, up to 24 days’ vacation, and 10 paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/prescription plans, and more!

STScI embraces the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in creating a first-rate community. We strongly encourage women, ethnic minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities. Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu EOE/AA/M/F/D/V.   #LIHYBRID

As a leader in the astronomical community, AURA is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the workforce www.aura-astronomy.org/div