Data Infrastructure Engineer, Software Engineer IV

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a diverse and prestigious 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. Whether you are a scientist, student, or simply someone who is fascinated by the cosmos, the NRAO offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, explore, and discover

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is seeking a Data Infrastructure Engineer to join the Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) Computing and Software (CSS) Integrated Product Team (IPT) and to work jointly with Data Management and Software (DMS) Division within NRAO. The ngVLA project is a transformational radio telescope array with more than 200 radio telescope antennas throughout North America.  The telescope presents significant data infrastructure challenges, with real time data transmission rates in excess of 168 Tbps, sustained data processing of 60 PFLOP/sec, and a data archive that grows by more than 240 PB each year. 

The successful applicant will be responsible for designing, and eventually leading a team building and maintaining, the data infrastructure that supports data collection, storage, processing, and analysis for ngVLA. The data ingestion, transmission, and storage needs of the ngVLA project are significantly larger in scope than any other NRAO projects and require the application of leading-edge technologies. This role is crucial for ensuring that data systems are scalable, reliable, and performant. The successful applicant will be NRAO’s subject matter expert on these systems. 

The position will be based in Charlottesville, VA; Albuquerque, NM; or Socorro, NM.

What You will be Doing

The primary responsibilities are in the design and development of the data infrastructure for ngVLA. Specifically: 

• Infrastructure and Architecture: understanding and analyzing ngVLA requirements and design infrastructure that supports data flow, caching, processing, distribution, and storage. 
• Cloud Services: exploring cloud platforms for scalable and cost-effective data distribution, processing and storage solutions. 
• Big Data Technologies: working with big data technologies like Hadoop and Spark to handle large-scale data distribution and processing. 
• Database Design: Developing and implementing data models and database schemas that support ngVLA requirements. 
• Provide cost and budget assessments for different infrastructure solutions 

As ngVLA moves into the construction phase, the successful candidate must be able to transition to implementation of the adopted design. Additional responsibilities may include: 

• System Monitoring and Troubleshooting: setting up monitoring systems and troubleshooting issues related to data infrastructure. 
• Database Management: managing and optimizing databases (both SQL and NoSQL) and ensure their performance, reliability, and security. 
• Data Security and Compliance: Implementing security measures to protect data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. 

Collaborating with the software architects and system engineers within DMS and ngVLA is an integral part of the role, as the design choices regarding data infrastructure are directly tied to the next generation data architecture as a whole. Additional responsibilities include:

• Understand strategic goals and software architectures within NRAO 
• Build collaborations with external institutions with similar needs and goals 
• Work with software engineers, database experts, and system architects to implement the adopted design during the construction phase 
• Liaise with other teams and departments to ensure that team goals and vision align with those of DMS and ngVLA, while promoting collaborative relationships and culture 

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently sits at a desk, uses a personal computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment; the ability to climb stairs is required. The employee is required to bend, reach, and must have finger dexterity. The employee is required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. May occasionally work at high altitudes. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Who Are You:

• You have a Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field,
• You have at least five in demonstrated dataflow, system engineering, or related experience

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of data transmission, storage, and back-up systems 
• Experience designing, implementing and maintaining infrastructure solutions 
• Experience with data modeling tools 
• Familiar with latest trends in data storage, backup strategies, and network strategies 
• Experience using the Linux CLI 
• Hands-on experience building scalable systems  
• Familiarity developing software in Python or Java 
• Experience debugging and profiling software systems 
• Familiarity with the Atlassian Suite of applications 
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills  
• Experience working with large, existing applications in a distributed team 

Preferred Competencies

• Strong software development skills in Python or Java 
• Scripting experience with Bash 
• Familiarity with Cloud Services  
• Familiarity with big data technologies  
• Familiarity with storage solutions  
• Experience with time-series visualization tools

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.

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 pay may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions. 

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.

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]. PM20