Software Engineer Group Lead, Online

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is seeking a Software Engineering Group Lead to lead its Online Software group supporting online operations and software infrastructure. This hybrid role spans Albuquerque, NM, Socorro, NM, and Green Bank, WV, with leadership focused on delivery, interoperability, and reliable software systems that support data acquisition, scheduling, observation preparation, and software integration.

Reporting status to senior management and coordinating across scientific and engineering stakeholders are central to the role, alongside direct line management of a software organization responsible for software lifecycle execution and compliance with Observatory policies.

Role Overview

• Lead and directly supervise the Online Software group and its software staff responsible for online operating systems supporting the VLA, VLBA, and GBT.
• Oversee resource allocation, team priorities, performance evaluations, recruiting, team building, professional development, and staff succession planning.
• Guide short- and long-term planning, coordinate development activities, and establish engineering best practices that improve interoperability, reliability, maintainability, and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with scientists, software engineers, systems engineers, operations staff, and project stakeholders to align common software infrastructure with operational needs and future observatory capabilities.
• Identify opportunities to standardize reusable components, reduce duplication, improve system consistency, and support the ongoing evolution of NRAO software systems.
• Provide personnel management for software teams responsible for (1) data acquisition software systems, (2) dynamic telescope scheduling systems, (3) observation preparation tools, and (4) software system integration.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, establish priorities based on stakeholder needs, and maintain effective communications to support quality software delivery on schedule.
• Oversee software lifecycle activities for the group’s scope, including requirements gathering, development planning, task assignment, progress tracking, integration, testing, acceptance, and release with high quality standards.
• Approves technical direction within the team, provides guidance to staff, and maintains consistent implementation quality across software components.
• Maintain a culture of trust, mutual collaboration, accountability, and excellence within the Online Software group and with external stakeholders.
• Actively support professional growth and onboarding to increase technical diversity and expertise through recruiting and onboarding practices.
• Perform regular reporting on management status and compliance with deadlines to senior management at NRAO and other participating organizations, and present status to stakeholders or advisory bodies in reviews.
• Ensure a professional working environment and efficient work processes through direct line management.
• Review timesheets and periodic performance reviews, coordinating with Human Resources and Business departments when necessary.
• Proactively comply with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in the work area.
• With guidance from the Observatory Human Resource Department, coordinate and advise on personnel matters to ensure compliance with applicable policies, including affirmative action.
• Coordinate and interpret, implement, develop and/or recommend changes to Observatory rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Note: The role is not personally expected to write software.

Required Qualifications

• At least three (3) or more years of experience directly supervising a software team of three (3) or more people, including managing staff performance, resource allocations, recruiting, professional development, and team building.
• At least seven (7) years of experience in software development.
• Experience working with stakeholders to develop plans and priorities for delivering high-quality, high-value products.
• Experience working in an Agile environment, familiar with Scrum and team workflow management practices.
• A Bachelor’s degree in computer science, physics, astronomy, or a related field.
• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.
• NRAO presently cannot sponsor H-1B Visas for this position.

Preferred Experience

• Relevant experience with radio astronomy operating software and procedures.
• Knowledge of radio astronomy theories and practice would be valuable.
• Demonstrated technical leadership of complex data acquisition, scheduling, and operational support systems.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: USD 123,000 - 153,000 per year.
• 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 retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10% of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.
• Starting pay within the range may be affected by education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications, internal equity, and labor market conditions.

Work Location and Environment

• Locations include: 1011 Lopezville Rd, Socorro, NM 87801; 5651 Balloon Fiesta Pkwy, Albuquerque, NM 87113; 155 Observatory Rd, Green Bank, WV 24944.
• Hybrid work: presence across the listed locations as needed.
• Work is typically performed in a research and development office environment.
• Occasional travel (domestic and international) may be required.
• For well-qualified candidates, a remote work arrangement may be considered.

Equal Opportunity Employer and Accommodation

• AUI is an equal opportunity employer.
• If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, email [email protected].

How to Apply

• Select the “Apply” button above.
• Upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.