Data Formats Engineer Jobs

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Software Engineer II-III

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Socorro, NM

Socorro, NM

Today

$87k - $121k/yr Full time Data Formats Instrumentation & Control Instrumentation & Control Software

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Job Description

National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is hiring a Software Engineer II-III to build and support real-time monitor and control capabilities for major radio telescopes.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, test, and maintain monitor and control software components that configure and control the VLA, VLBA, and GBT in real time.
Develop and extend the interface layer connecting software to hardware and electronics, including:
- IF-chain configurations
- Antenna motion commands
- Digital signal processing configurations for VEGAS, WIDAR, and DiFX
Model antennas and associated hardware/electronics in software, covering:
- Frequency setups
- Subband and baseband layouts
- Polarization products
- Timing and integration structure
Implement rules, constraints, and legality checks that determine which configurations are achievable for each component.
Work from interface control documents and hardware specifications with the engineers and scientists who own underlying subsystems to ensure M&C commands, alerts, and emitted data are correct and complete.
Diagnose and resolve cross-layer issues from a scientist’s observing specification through the command stream sent to the telescope, collaborating with telescope operators, engineers, and scientific staff.
Support evolution of the monitor and control system for new observing paradigms and instrumentation, including work that informs and feeds into the next generation ngVLA.
Write and maintain critical documentation, including requirements, software design documents, interface control documents, and user documentation.
Participate in code review, testing, and release processes for mission-critical software operating in 24/7 scientific facilities.
Contribute to both maintenance and required upgrades of existing software and the development of new products aligned with emerging observatory needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, scientific, or related field; highly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.
1+ year of experience developing software applications.
Relevant experience with radio astronomy operating software and procedures preferred.
Knowledge of radio astronomy theories and practice valuable.
Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership of complex data acquisition, distributed systems, and operational support systems preferred.
Proficiency with C, C++, and Python; proficiency with Java valuable.
Solid understanding of object-oriented design and development.
Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new software languages and unfamiliar domains.
Understanding of networking concepts and technologies: multicast, TCP, UDP, HTTP, XML, JSON, REST.
Experience with version control software, testing methodologies, and CI/CD.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including working effectively with scientists and hardware engineers.
Comfort working in a Linux (RHEL) environment.
Authorization to work in the United States is required.
NRAO cannot sponsor H-1B visas for this position.

Highly Desirable

Skill in domain modeling and expressing complex validation rules and constraints clearly in code.
Experience with distributed systems, or with SCADA software for scientific, industrial, or other physical instruments.
Comfort with mathematics and unit-bearing quantities, including coordinate transformations and frequency/time calculations.
Familiarity with signal processing concepts, digital IF chains, or correlator architectures.
Familiarity with basic astronomical principles, radio astronomy, or interferometry.
Experience collaborating in an Agile/Scrum environment, including sprint planning, estimating tasks, and breaking down requirements into user stories.

Technologies

C, C++, Python, Java
Multicast, TCP, UDP, HTTP, XML, JSON, REST
CI/CD, Linux (RHEL)
VEGAS, WIDAR, DiFX
VLA, VLBA, GBT, ngVLA

Compensation

USD 87,000 - 121,000 per year

Location and Work Arrangement

Socorro, NM; Albuquerque, NM; Green Bank, WV (hybrid)
Work may be based in Albuquerque, NM, Socorro, NM, Charlottesville, VA, or Green Bank, WV.
Remote work arrangement may be considered for well-qualified candidates.
Occasional travel (domestic and international) may be required.

Position Details

One-year appointment with possibility of renewal subject to observatory needs, budget, and mutual agreement.
Work is typically performed in a research and development office environment.

Benefits

Excellent paid time off: 13 holidays; annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days
Medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment
AUI’s retirement benefit contribution equals 10% of qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution

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