Software Engineer I

NSF’s NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for a diverse and inclusive community.

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of astronomical research? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where innovation and precision are key? At NOIRLab’s Gemini Observatory we are looking for talented Software Engineers to join our dynamic team of engineers and scientists.

In this role, you will design, develop, and maintain software components that are integral to the operation of our world-class telescopes. You will engage in a comprehensive software development life cycle, from initial requirements gathering to deployment and ongoing support, ensuring our systems remain at the forefront of astronomical discovery. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in providing operational support to our telescope operations, troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving issues to ensure seamless functionality.

These positions are located at the Gemini South (GS) Observatory in La Serena, Chile, offering you the opportunity to work in a vibrant and scientifically rich environment.

If you are ready to contribute to groundbreaking science and enjoy working in a supportive, multidisciplinary team, we invite you to apply and help us explore the universe!

A Software Engineer I designs and develops software applications. Performs coding, debugging, testing and troubleshooting throughout the entire application development process.                                                                                                                                                                

A Software Engineer I works closely with other software engineers, scientists and telescope operators to refine requirements, improve usability, reduce complexity and facilitate long-term maintenance.                                                                                                                                                                   

Software Engineers I typically report to a project manager, team lead or software managers for functional work. The Software Engineer I works on projects of limited complexity in a support role. The work is closely supervised and managed.                                                 

A good working level of English is required for this job.      

Duties and Responsibilities:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

• Support the design, implementation and maintenance of one or more software applications or systems.
• Participate in troubleshooting activities for installed software when required.                
• Work with engineers from other disciplines and scientific staff to document and clarify requirements for new software systems.                                                                     
• Knowledge of software development life cycle, including all phases: requirements gathering, design, documentation, development, testing and deployment.        
• Provide clearly written documentation (both technical and user oriented), as required.                             
• Provide regular updates on progress of assigned tasks, and keep project managers, team lead and other stakeholders informed about issues that might impact deadlines.
• Stay current with changes in the field.          

Job Specifications:      

Requires the ability to design, develop and maintain software systems.  A Software Engineer I will be proficient at programming in one or more programming languages and will demonstrate sufficient knowledge in computer science concepts to discuss software tasks with other software engineers.  Requires excellent verbal and written skills in order to create software requirements, user manuals, and technical documentation.                                                                              

Required Education                                                                    

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent experience.                                                    

Required Experience:       

• 0-2 years of software development experience.                                                                                                                                                                             
• Experience working in astronomical or research facilities is desirable.                                                                       

Required Skills and Abilities:        

• Knowledge of computer science concepts and programming languages.           
• UNIX software platform development, including familiarity with command line tools and basic systems administration
• Familiarity with software development process                                                                                                                             
• Experience with revision control systems                                         
• Experience with software development on a Linux/Unix platform.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse community of users and developers and write clear technical documentation
• Ability to work with distributed teams.                         

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.                                                                                                                  

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop; kneel; crouch; or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time; must be able to drive a 4-w drive vehicle and possess a clean driving record; to take and pass high altitude physical; to travel internationally and must possess or can obtain a valid passport                                                                                         
• Must possess sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands and both legs to a) reach upward, sideways, downward to work with paper files; b) sufficient mobility and dexterity to utilize computer systems, fax machines, copiers, and other office machines.                   
• Must possess 1) ability to read and understand instructions, drawings, safety guides, and other written materials necessary to perform job; 2) sufficient visual capacity to perform the applicable functions without assistance of visual aids other than eye contacts or eye glasses; 3) sufficient spoken aural capacity to hear and understand instructions, warning bells, fire alarms, or shouted instructions without assistance of auditory aids other than a hearing aid; and 4) ability to impart information orally so others understand and can respond appropriately.

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 https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/  

Salaries for positions hired in Chile meet Chile national market rates and internal scales for AURA.

The position will remain open until it is filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by 23 July, 2024. 

• Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume in English, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Last name Document name.
• Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.
• Please enter 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process).

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 49 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or 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 pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential