Overview

National Radio Astronomy ObservatoryTitle: Software Engineer III Location: 1011 Lopezville Rd, Socorro, NM 87801, USA• 5651 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA• NRAO Headquarters, 520 Edgemont Rd, CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, United States of America• 155 Observatory Rd, Green Bank, WV 24944, USA Requisition Number: 310 Job Family: Software Engineer Pay Type: Salary Required Education: CPP Position Description: Position Summary The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research and development organization that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is a nonprofit organization that manages and operates the NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. The Observatory is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, operating state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The Observatory has been instrumental in the study of black holes, galaxies, and the early universe. At NRAO, we are recruiting an experienced Software Engineer to join the Online (ONL) group. The Online group develops and maintains the telescope operations software that turns an astronomer's observing plan into telescope observations, directing the telescope through its observing sequence and producing some of the intermediate data products that go to the archive and to scientists and array operators. You will help support the VLA and VLBA today and contribute to the design and implementation of the online systems for the next generation Very Large Array (ngVLA). This position can be based in Socorro, NM, Albuquerque, 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 designing, developing, and maintaining the online software that carries out scientific observations. You will work with senior software engineers, scientific staff, and operations staff to understand how astronomers want to observe, refine requirements, and deliver reliable software. Activities may include (but are not limited to): Developing and maintaining software that sequences and executes observations, including observing modes, calibration strategies, and scheduling logic Working with astronomers and operations staff to translate scientific requirements into software designs, and validating the results against scientific needs Working with the Monitor & Control group on the interfaces between observation execution and hardware control Supporting data acquisition and the flow of data and metadata to downstream processing and the archive Prototyping and evaluating architectures and technologies for the ngVLA online systems Supporting operations, including diagnosing problems that arise during observing Additional duties include the maintenance and necessary upgrades of existing software to support operations, and the development of new capabilities to meet the demands of new observing modes and instrumentation. No prior experience in radio astronomy is required. 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: Education 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. Experience Three or more years of experience in the development of software applications; candidates with progressively more experience will be considered for a higher-level posi