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The University of Arizona
Software Engineer, Adaptive Optics Instrument (Steward Observatory) (Multiple Positions)
Python
Linux
Edtech.com's Summary
The University of Arizona is hiring a Software Engineer, Adaptive Optics Instrument (Steward Observatory) (Multiple Positions). The role is on the software team at the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics, which builds and operates systems that sharpen images at large ground-based and space telescopes. Engineers write production software that supports the scientific operations of these instruments, from hardware communication to control applications.
Highlights
- Implement spacecraft and observatory interfaces for high-speed communication between the adaptive optics hardware components, including protocol libraries, controls interfaces, and test libraries over serial, network, and other hardware links.
- Develop control applications for space- and ground-based systems, including telemetry management, data visualizations and dashboards, and scripting engines.
- Write embedded software that controls hardware such as high-speed sensors, heaters, and fast steering mirrors and ties them into the instrument’s overall control logic.
- Contribute to architecture decisions for automated network management and for missions with distributed computing, building software robust enough for remote mountain sites and space missions.
- Build a framework that keeps project requirements, budgets, and simulation configurations consistent while producing automated systems engineering metrics for tracking and reporting.
- Oversee new features for a mature instrument codebase through the full software development lifecycle, communicating with scientists, mission operators, engineers, and students.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience plus 5 years of relevant experience developing software for automated, remote operation of complex hardware systems, including C++ and Linux development.
- Preferred qualifications include an MS or PhD in computer science or a related field, experience with communications protocols for observatory applications, embedded hardware work, and scientific Python libraries.
- Preferred experience with adaptive optics or astronomical observatory operations, continuous integration frameworks, and automated testing.
- Full-time, 40 hours per week, with two openings and a salary range of $99,901 to $129,871 per year.
Software Engineer, Adaptive Optics Instrument (Steward Observatory) (Multiple Positions) Full Description
Position Highlights
The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites you to apply to the role of Software Engineer, Adaptive Optics Instrument. The Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO) at Steward Observatory is developing and operating world-class adaptive optics (AO) systems at large ground and space telescopes. A growing team of software engineers will work together to develop production software to support the scientific operations of these systems. CAAO is seeking two skilled Adaptive Optics Instrument Software Engineers to help design, implement, and maintain a wide variety of AO instruments and computing resources for space and ground-based telescopes. Successful candidates will strive to bring unique and innovative ideas to solve exciting problems. The team is looking for candidates with expertise in remote computer systems management, communications protocols, and hardware controls to support our on-going efforts. Candidates with experience in any subset of these responsibilities are encouraged to apply.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Implement spacecraft and observatory interfaces to enable high-speed communications between multiple pieces of the AO hardware system including: writing protocol libraries, controls interfaces, and test protocol libraries. This includes serial, network, and any other form of hardware communication.
- Develop applications for space- and ground-based control systems, including telemetry management, data visualizations and dashboards, and scripting engines.
- Develop embedded software for the control of various hardware components of the AO instrument systems including high-speed sensors, heaters, fast steering mirrors, etc. This includes ensuring that the hardware integrates into overall control logic of scientific operations.
- Contribute to architecture decisions for automated network management and support for missions with distributed computing architecture.
- Developed software must be robust enough to be deployed in remote mountain sites and space based missions.
- Develop framework to ensure consistency across project requirements, budgets and simulation configurations while producing automated system engineering metrics for tracking and reporting.
- Oversee new features for a mature, instrument codebase through the entire software development lifecycle.
- Communicate clearly with various scientists, mission operators, engineers, students, and other colleagues and stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience is required including experience in developing software for the automated, remote operations of complex hardware systems, developing in C++, and experience in developing for a Linux operating system
Preferred Qualifications
- MS/PhD in computer science or related technical fields.
- Experience implementing communications protocols, particularly for observatory applications.
- Experience working directly with hardware as part of embedded software development cycle.
- Experience with AO and/or astronomical observatory operations.
- Experience in Cl-frameworks and automated testing.
- Experience developing scientific Python libraries.
- Experience contributing to projects.
Position Details
- Full Time, 40 hours per week, 1.0 FTE; FLSA Exempt; 2 vacancies
- Rate of Pay: $99,901-$129,871 (salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency), Grade 12
- Open until filled; resume and cover letter required
- Name-based criminal background check required (non-security sensitive)
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Equal Opportunity Employer Vets/Disabled
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