Software Engineer II-III

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