Software Engineer, Adaptive Optics Instrument (Steward Observatory) (Multiple Positions)

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.

Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University's oldest research units. The Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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!

• 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.

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.

• 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

• 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.