Software Engineer IV (4709)
Company: National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Location: Charlottesville
Posted on: June 19, 2022
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Job Description:
National Radio Astronomy ObservatoryPosition Description:
Position SummaryJoin the development team that created and
maintains the software used to operate the ALMA Telescope. The
Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) is an array of66 radioantenna
located high in the Chilean Andes. Its scientific capabilities are,
by a large factor, better than any other millimeter wave radio
telescope. Itwas commissionedin 2013 and is, to date, the largest
ground-based astronomical project. ALMA is supported by a diverse
team of people in4continents (North America, South America, Europe
and Asia).We are seeking a Group Lead for the North America (NA)
ALMA Software Development Group, which is part of the Software
Division within the Data Management and Software Department of
NRAO. The NA ALMA Software Group is responsible for the data
acquisition (Control and Correlator) andSchedulingsoftware and
works jointly with the global ALMA software development teams.
Collectively, the software teams design, implement and maintain
software used to operate ALMA. This includes the software for
automatically selecting what to observe (Scheduling software),
software that decomposes the high-level parameters to the commands
sent to each piece of hardware (Control software) and software that
collects the data and processes it down to a manageable volume
(Correlator software). This requires close interaction with a
diverse range of people on several continents. The team diagnoses
and corrects difficult & subtle problems that can affect the data
quality.The preferred location for the position will be based at
one of our NRAO sites - Charlottesville, VA; Socorro or
Albuquerque, NM. In addition to competitive pay, NRAO provides
excellent paid time off benefits (vacation and sick leave).
Medical, dental and vision plans are effective first day of
employment. NRAOs retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to
10 percent of a qualified participants base pay. No contribution is
required of the employee; we also offer an optional supplemental,
tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.Job Duties
SummaryThe Group Lead is responsible for the short- and long-term
development activities of the ALMA Control, Correlator, and
Scheduling teams, and works with international partners to
coordinate and integrate this software with ALMA Telescope
Operations. Each team lead organizes requirement gathering,
develops and maintains the work plan for the group, and works with
testers and scientists, through the software acceptance and
deployment processes for their respective groups. The ALMA Software
Group Lead coordinates the direction setting between the NA teams
internally and between the NA teams and the larger ALMA project.
The successful candidate will be expected to lead projects and
initiatives to develop significant new capabilities, address future
obsolescence issues, especially those that require coordination
between various software groups, and ensure high priority issues
get resolved. The position also includes personnel management,
including rewarding and motivating staff, investing in professional
development for staff, providing periodic reviews, establishing
fair objectives and goals for personal development, and
recommending areas for training and improvement.This position also
includes a leadership role in the North American Integrated
Computing Team (ICT), responsible for the ongoing software support,
maintenance, and feature development of the software delivered by
the entire ALMA ICT. This will involve coordination of development,
participating in international coordination meetings with other
managers and stakeholders, and leading cross-ALMA initiatives.The
role encourages some software development, as this leads to a
better understanding of the ALMA software technology stack as well
as development and delivery processes. ALMA software in NA has
typically been done in Java and C++, and potentially could include
user interface and database development responsibilities.Work
EnvironmentWork is typically performed in an office setting within
a research or development environment. Domestic and international
travel will be required.Position Requirements: Minimum
EducationBachelors degree in computer science, physics, astronomy,
or related field. Advanced degree preferred.Minimum ExperienceAt
least seven years of experience in software development, with at
least three or more years of experience leading a software group of
five or more people. Equivalent relevant experience will be
considered. Preferred ExperienceRelevant experience with radio
astronomy analysis software and procedures is preferred. Knowledge
of radio interferometric theory and practice would be valuable.
Demonstrated leadership in complex environments and experience
leading larger and geographically distributed software teams is
preferred.Competency SummaryThe ALMA Software Group Lead is
expected to have demonstrated experience leading software
development groups, preferably within the domain of astronomy.The
successful candidate shall also have experience in leading a
distributed team of developers and be familiar with management,
planning, and reporting aspects. The candidate should be prepared
to deal with already ongoing activities, while also having the
ability to formulate a long-term direction. Candidates should have
experience balancing the maintenance, improvement, and enhancement
of operational software.Planning skills and appropriate management
of a team of expert developers and scientists are essential.
Competency and experience dealing with the development process from
requirements gathering, to development, testing and the formalism
needed to achieve an orderly process is also expected. Must be able
to build strong and productive relationships with stakeholders who
have complex and sometimes conflicting requirements, such as
scientists, development partners, and operations organizations.
Strong decision making, consensus building, and communication
skills are essential.Experience managing software teams and
stakeholders in an international environment Is strongly
preferred.Skills & Abilities Strong interpersonal and group
communications skills, oral and written in English. Familiarity,
and preferably experience, with a wide variety of technologies,
such as Java, C++, python, databases, near-real-time programming,
testing frameworks.Must possess strong leadership and delegation
capabilities, as well as the ability to empower team members.
Ability to maintain and develop productive collaborations across
organizations, anticipate and mitigate political and technical
issues.Demonstrated strong initiative in refining and clarifying
requirements, defining and implementing QA processes, plan
definition and monitoring, defining technical direction, and
facilitating alignment.Strong skills in defining and improving
global processes, and in negotiating and adjusting work agreements
with global partners.Ability to learn new areas and apply
learning.Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving
abilities.Familiarity with project management concepts and
techniques. Additional RequirementThe Observatory has determined
that all employees who intend to be physically present in the
facilities and employees who work in safety sensitive positions are
required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in accordance with
our AUI vaccine policy and provide proof of full vaccination prior
to your start date. A selected applicant may request consideration
for an accommodation for a disability or a sincerely held religious
belief.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 positionEqual
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
resumes@nrao.edu.The NRAO is an equal opportunity employer
(M/F/D/V)The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of
the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative
agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.PM20PI180542951
Keywords: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Charlottesville , Software Engineer IV (4709), IT / Software / Systems , Charlottesville, Virginia
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