The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA) operates several observatory centers (including the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, the National Solar Observatory (NSO), Large Synoptic Survey Telescope and the Gemini Observatory) in the United States and Chile under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation.

The National Solar Observatory (NSO), Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) is seeking a Senior Software Engineer. This position will be located in Boulder, CO. The DKIST has completed construction and is now starting initial operations. The DKIST is the world's largest and most advanced solar telescope and will help resolve the fundamental interactions between solar magnetic fields and the dynamic atmospheric plasma on scales below 0.4 arcsec over entire active regions.

General Description Of Position

The Senior Software Engineer will participate in the architecting, development, and integration of software systems to allow for the integration of specific Level 2 (L2) Data Product processes within the existing infrastructure of the DKIST Data Center systems. The Engineer will work with the Data Center and L2 teams to implement the integration goals of the project, in collaboration with various support staff. The Engineer will provide technical contributions, including requirements definition, coding, testing and implementation of the L2 integration within the Data Center.

Essential Functions

Define and implement the architecture and software mechanisms to enable the querying, access, and retrieval of calibrated Level-1 data (L1) in DKIST DC stores to the inversion (L2) pipelines at HPC sites and the transmission of the L2 products back to the DC data stores.
Assist the DC team in defining and developing storage formats, data product management, and delivery methods for Level-2 data products in the DC systems.
In conjunction with the NSO science and DC teams, define and Implement Quality Assurance metrics and algorithms for Level-2 data products that are comparable to those for Level-1.
Define and implement unit and integration tests for software developed as part of the L2 data integration into the Data Center.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities

7+ years of relevant experience
Masters degree in Software Engineering or computer science, or comparable experience in the field.
Knowledge of software engineering best practices, such as version control, automated testing, code reviews, collaborative environments, etc.
Experience with event driven or micro-service architectures
Ability to design efficient algorithms and optimize their programmatic implementation
Experience developing software in formal programming languages, e.g., Python, C/C++
Ability to speak and write effectively in English, including preparation of comprehensive technical reports and code documentation
Ability to effectively communicate with instrument partners and community users
Occasional travel (<10%) expected

Desirable Experience/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge of design patterns
Experience working in a scientific setting

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work is mostly carried out in an office environment. Long periods of sitting may be required.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment.

Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/

AURA offers a mix-model workspace (in office, hybrid, or remote if eligible) and stimulating environments for all.

NSO will accept and review applications until the position is filled. Qualified internal candidates will be given preference.

Salary range: $120,000-$140,000

Please list 3 professional references in your application and attach a CV or resume to your application. Should you have any questions, please contact employment@aura-astronomy.org.

COVID-19 Policy Update: AURA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy that requires all employees to be vaccinated including being up to date on boosters, unless qualified for an exemption based on medical or religious reasons. All new employees will be required to comply with this policy and will be required to present proof of full vaccination or submit a completed request (including supporting documents, if applicable) for an exemption at least five (5) business days prior to their start of employment. Individuals who fail to meet this deadline may have their employment start date delayed.

This is a requirement for all employees working onsite or from home (telework or hybrid remote work schedule). Currently the vaccination requirement does not apply to any future AURA employees working in Chile, regardless of their nationality or type of contract.

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp.

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy

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