Job Title

Job No.

Center

Location

Date Posted

Sr. Software Systems Engineer              NEW

991

NOAO

Tucson, AZ

11/20/2009

The National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) has an immediate opening for an experienced senior software systems engineer for archive support. NOAO is leading an effort to construct and operate a petabyte-scale data management system for ground-based optical and infrared data generated by current NOAO instruments and the next generation of large astronomical instrumentation at NOAO and elsewhere. The aim of the NOAO Science Data Management Program (SDM) is to enable new kinds of scientific investigation with these data by creating end-to-end systems to generate data products of significant scientific interest; to serve these products to the world-wide community through NOAO’s participation in the US Virtual Observatory efforts and similar international VO initiatives; and to implement tools and Web services for discovering, mining, and analyzing data throughout the VO. The successful candidate will be an experienced team leader with the initiative and resourcefulness to solve technical problems in an astronomically-oriented, multi-national, software development and operational data management environment.

The senior software systems engineer will report to the SDM Head of Program.  He/she will lead the software support of the NOAO archives including developing and applying advanced methods and research techniques in the investigation and solution of archive system requirements and problems.  He/she will plan, conduct, and technically direct archive projects, coordinating the efforts of technical support staff in the performance of the assigned projects.  He/she will develop and document detailed system requirements and analysis, system design based on given specifications, system decomposition, interface definition, requirement flow-down verification, test procedure review, system test results review, security, and operations support for systems used for data capture, data processing, mass storage, and distribution of astronomical data.

This position requires extensive experience in the application of modern system and software engineering practices and tools; the ability to work and communicate effectively on a multi-disciplinary team, and the ability to prepare and present accurate and complete verbal and written communications.  The candidate must have at least 8 years of software engineering and programming experience, including at least five years in the development of large astronomical archives.  Demonstrated leadership in developing astronomical archives is a strong advantage.  A Master’s degree in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science or related field is required.  A Ph.D. in astronomy is preferred.

Applicants should electronically submit their resume with a cover letter and the names of three references to the NOAO Human Resources Office via e-mail to hrnoao@noao.edu. Please reference job title and job number.

For more information about the position, applicants can contact the SDM Head of Program, Elizabeth Stobie, at bstobie@noao.edu.

Send resume to:

Human Resources Office
National Optical Astronomy Observatory
P.O. Box 26732
Tucson, Arizona 85726-6732
Email: hrnoao@noao.edu
FAX: 520-318-8494

NOAO and NSO are affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employers. Preference granted to qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'Odham Reservation.

NOAO actively support efforts to broaden participation in all Observatory activities. Women and candidates from under represented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply.