Description

Position Description: 

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), which includes the Green Bank Observatory (GBO), is a diverse and exciting research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope (GBT) 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.

The GBO software team designs, implements, and maintains the software used to operate the GBT and as well as other GBO site telescopes and systems. This includes the software for automatically selecting what to observe (Scheduling software), software that decomposes high-level parameters into the commands sent to the telescopes (Monitor and Control software) and software that collects the data and processes it (data processing software). This requires close interaction with a diverse range of people within GBO and across the other NRAO sites. The software team frequently diagnoses and corrects difficult and subtle problems that can affect telescope operations and science data quality.

NRAO is seeking Software Engineer to join the GBO software team. A successful candidate would ideally be based in Green Bank, WV, but may choose to work at any of our facilities in Charlottesville VA, Socorro NM, or Albuquerque NM. Fully remote work arrangements are possible for highly qualified candidates.

The GBO software team is small team that values curiosity, diligence, and professional communication. There is potential to grow into leadership of significant software infrastructure upgrades, and to design, prototype, and install new software technologies. We operate in an environment of continuous upgrades to GBO, NRAO, and to our team’s skills.

What You Will be Doing:

The primary focus of this position will be development and support of software to help scientists work with radio astronomy observations more easily, thereby expanding the impact of our data. You will have the opportunity to apply your skills and technical knowledge to developing more modern and streamlined user experiences.  

Additional duties of the GBO software team members include both the maintenance and necessary upgrades of the existing 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. 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 have at least one year of experience in the professional development of software applications; candidates with progressively more work experience will be considered for a higher-level position ranking. 
• Additionally, you will have the following skills:
• Proficiency with Python
• Experience developing software with C++ is desired
• Understanding of object-oriented design and development
• 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
• Experience with relational databases, including database normalization and administration
• Experience integrating software components into a functioning, maintainable system, including across multiple hosts, increasing users, and similar scaling challenges
• Familiarity with Agile development processes
• 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.

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.  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)

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 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].

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