Software Engineer II - NASA Mission

Are you seeking a mission-critical role in increasing humanity’s knowledge of the Universe?

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science and operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories. Our world-class astronomical research and operations center is hosted on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Learn more about our missions.  STScI offers a flexible and welcoming workspace for all.

We have an immediate opening for a Software Engineer II to join our dynamic team with heritage from the Hubble Space Telescope project, providing mission-critical software and support to NASA at the forefront of space-based astronomy. The Commanding Development (CMDDEV) team develops, tests, and supports operational use of scripts that execute onboard the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observatory. You will work closely with scientists, systems engineers, and the mission operations team to design, implement, and test enhancements to the science and engineering capabilities of the JWST observatory. Your ability to thrive in a diverse, collaborative, cross-team environment with minimal supervision is crucial to mission success.  

This position can support hybrid work. Staff must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).  U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is needed to meet ITAR requirements.

The CMDDEV Software Engineer II Role:

STScI’s software engineers develop applications to automate key aspects of the operations of the next-generation of space telescopes, enabling the scientific community to unravel the secrets of the Universe. If you are a collaborative engineer excited to strengthen operations of NASA’s flagship missions, then you will want to join our team of engineers developing the applications that are used to drive the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

The Operations Scripts Subsystem (OSS) team at The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) develops, tests, and supports operational use of scripts that execute onboard the JWST observatory. The OSS scripts interface directly with spacecraft and science instrument flight software (FSW) to perform key observatory functions, orchestrating the science and engineering activities of the observatory in an autonomous and efficient event-driven manner.

The team’s primary focus is software development, with responsibilities spanning project management, systems engineering, testing and certification, and on-console operations support.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Application of modern software engineering principles and best practices
• Software tool development
• Unit testing and all-path testing
• Technical writing and documentation
• Peer reviews of code and test results
• Teamwork and leadership within small- to medium-sized groups
• Professional, effective communication with stakeholders from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds
• On call/off hours as needed to support anomaly response and real-time commanding activities

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree (Engineering or Science discipline) and 4+ years' experience in software engineering development. Master's degree in an engineering or science discipline is beneficial but not required.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Residence for ITAR compliance

• Experience with the following:
  • Designing, developing, debugging, and testing in high-level scripting languages such as JavaScript and Python
  • Version control (using Git is a plus) 
  • Issue tracking and reporting (using Jira is a plus) 
  • Writing technical documentation (using Confluence is a plus)

****Individuals with experience from other fields who possess related basic qualifications are encouraged to apply. Substitution of additional relevant education or experience for stated qualifications will be considered****

Desirable but not required:

• Experience with or significant knowledge of NASA missions, spacecraft, and/or science instrument payloads
• Conducting end-to-end testing including test design and detailed results analysis
• Object oriented programming in Java
• Experience with continuous integration (CI) technology and test automation
• Experience with Git, Jira, and Confluence

TO APPLY: Please upload a resume and a one-page cover letter.  Your cover letter should describe the skills and experiences you bring to this position, why you are a good fit for this role at STScI, and how this position aligns with your career goals. Applications received by August 15, 2024 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.

Link: Software Engineer II - NASA Mission

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

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

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.