Software Engineer II-III

Position Description:

Position Summary

Would you like to write mission-critical software for the most famous and accomplished scientific instruments on the planet?  Would you like to be part of a highly skilled team of software engineers and scientists pushing the boundaries of our knowledge of the universe?  Join the software development team that created and maintains software for National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s (NRAO) telescopes, including the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore our cosmic origins.

NRAO is seeking an experienced Software Engineer to plan, design, and implement software applications that will advance our ability to conduct NRAO science without harmful radio frequency interference (RFI). NRAO undertakes a variety of activities directed at understanding the local RFI environments and maintaining a clean electromagnetic environment in and around its facilities, including testing of installed equipment, formulating rules regarding operation of installed and visiting equipment, and mitigating or remediating externally interfering sources. Sophisticated software solutions are needed to support these activities, including monitoring site spectrum conditions, reviewing resulting spectral plots, and tracking observer reports to detect new, unknown RF emissions. In this position, you will enhance and develop RFI-focused software applications. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of tools critical to the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA). 

This position is term-limited based on an initial two-year funding commitment. The position may be extended based on the availability of funding. The position will be based in Albuquerque, NM, Socorro, NM, Charlottesville, VA or Green Bank, WV. For well qualified candidates, a remote work arrangement may be considered.

What You Will be Doing:

The primary focus of this position will be on enhancing, designing, and delivering software tools to help the Observatory, its astronomers, and other scientists monitor and mitigate sources of RFI, thereby expanding our opportunities for scientific discovery. You will have the opportunity to apply your skills and technical knowledge to developing modern and streamlined software applications. You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively across all the NRAO telescope sites to developed unified solutions.

Additional duties include both the maintenance and necessary upgrades of existing operational software as well as developing new products to meet the challenges posed by the new observing paradigms necessary for the Observatory to remain at the cutting edge of science and technology.

Work Environment

The successful candidate will join a team of professionals engaged in research and development in the fields of science, engineering, software development, and education.  Work is typically performed in a research or development environment.  Must be able to operate a personal computer. May occasionally work at high altitudes.  Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Who You Are:

●        You have a Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, scientific or related field; highly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.

●        While not required, you may have an advanced degree in a related field.

●        You will have one or more years of experience in the development of software applications; candidates with progressively more experience will be considered for a higher-level position ranking. In addition, you will have the following skills:

• Experience with Python and SQLAlchemy
• Understanding of object-oriented design and development
• Understanding of object-relational mapping
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new software languages
• Experience with version control software, testing methodologies and CI/CD
• Experience debugging and profiling software systems
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills
• Web front end technologies: Angular, webpack, bootstrap, and others
• Experience with relational databases, including database normalization and administration
• Experience integrating software components into a functioning, maintainable system
• Familiarity with basic astronomical principles, spectrum management, and data reduction

Competency Summary

The ability to design, develop, modify, and support complex user-facing systems, interfacing with other systems and databases.

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.

For open rank positions, the starting salary/hourly rates for each level is between:      

●        Software Engineer II ($60,400-$92,500 per annum)  

●        Software Engineer III ($78,800-$120,835 per annum

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.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity 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

The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer (M/F/D/V)