Software Engineer II

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science and flight operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the science operations center for several NASA missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

The Data Management Division at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is seeking a Software Engineer to support the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST).  MAST will also contribute to science operations for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, including its archive, in formulation for launch in the mid-2020s. STScI hosts the MAST archive that contains data from more than 20 missions.

This engineer will lead archive scientific development activities related to astronomical catalogs data products, and provide scientific guidance on catalog development efforts. This employee will assist in the development of user documentation and tutorials on MAST catalog data products, tools, and interfaces.

This position can support hybrid work (only one day in the office, every quarter). Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV). This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence in order to meet ITAR requirement.

Applications received by 7/4/2024, will receive full consideration.

Apply here: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/JobBoard/2451ecb6-af3b-4d72-805a-eeeca596042b/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=48e23a8f-2083-48c9-83be-634208c00ed4

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in the design and development of the astronomical catalog metadata management tools
• Develop cloud-based data processing tools to support various mission catalog data discovery: observation catalogs (Common Archive Observation Model), source catalogs (Roman Source Catalogs, Guide Star Catalog, Pan-STARRS Catalog, Hubble Source Catalog, TESS Input Catalog, etc.), light curve and spectra catalogs
• Design and development of various astronomical data and services that support community usage of mission catalogs
• Participate in the scientific data quality control and monitoring
• Develop software for enhancing large scale catalog data exploration both cross missions in the Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes (MAST) and cross archive centers.

 Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years work experience (NOT to include school projects, graduate research, internships).
• Experience with software development with strong Python programming skill.
• Experience with large datasets processing and development.
• Experience with Data Lakehouse, databases and SQL development.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to describe astronomical data to a broad science community.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems independently, as well as work collaboratively and communicate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams, and leadership.

Desirable:

• Cloud based development experience is highly preferred.
• Experience with git, Kubernetes, Ansible, Terraform and CI/CD process.
• Experience with Containerization.
• Experience with Machine Learning skills used in astronomical catalog data.
• Astronomy or astrophysics background is desired but not required.
• Knowledge of Trino, Iceberg or other similar technologies is preferred.
• Deep learning and image processing knowledge are preferred.

Education:

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, Astronomy, Physics, Math or a relevant field with a minimum of 5 years work experience. Substitution of additional relevant education or experience will be considered.

Salary range is the range is $90k – $115k. Compensation is commensurate with education, skills and experience.

Our excellent benefits include:

Employer retirement contribution – direct STScI contribution of 10% of your salary from your first day

• Generous time off benefits that include eight paid holidays, two discretionary holidays, up to 24 days of vacation leave, and 12 days for sick leave
• Flexible work schedule with healthy work/life balance
• Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/prescription plans, and more!

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Explore all career opportunities at www.stsci.edu/opportunities

 STScI offers a flexible and welcoming workspace for all. 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.

 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/diversity.asp

 As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below, as well as the requests for self-identification, are required under these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements for protection and assisting us in our record-keeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.