R&D Software Engineer II, Steward Observatory
University of Arizona
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Job summary
University of Arizona is seeking an R&D Software Engineer II at Steward Observatory to develop software for mirror fabrication and metrology. The role spans real-time control, data acquisition, processing, and user interfaces, collaborating with scientists and engineers.
You will support the full software lifecycle, write robust code, and troubleshoot systems across hardware interfaces while traveling occasionally to vendor or observatory sites as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or equivalent four-year degree.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.
- This position requires U.S. citizenship due to the federal contract.
Responsibilities
- Develop, maintain, modify, and integrate software applications used in fabrication of large astronomical telescope mirrors.
- Develop software ranging from real-time control to data processing, GUIs, and web-based apps.
- Support full software lifecycle: requirements, design, testing, documentation, and maintenance.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
R&D Software Engineer II, Steward Observatory
Posting Number req27143
Department Steward Observatory
Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu
Location Tucson Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world‑class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space‑based astronomy.
The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites you to apply for the role of R&D Software Engineer II. In this role, you will develop, maintain, and integrate software systems that support the fabrication and metrology of large‑scale astronomical telescope mirrors. Working collaboratively with scientists, engineers, technicians, and other software developers, you will apply software engineering principles to develop multidisciplinary solutions for new and existing mirror fabrication and testing projects.
You will support the full software lifecycle, including requirements definition, software design and development, integration, testing, troubleshooting, documentation, implementation, and ongoing maintenance. Software systems may span real‑time equipment control, data acquisition, data processing and analysis, graphical user interfaces, and web‑based applications.
Occasional travel to vendor, customer, or remote observatory sites may be required.
This position supports a federal contract which requires that the selected candidate be a U.S. citizen (non-U.S. citizens or dual citizens cannot be considered for this position).
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
- Develop, maintain, modify, and integrate software applications used in the fabrication of large astronomical telescope mirrors, including systems supporting casting furnaces, grinding equipment, polishing equipment, and related fabrication processes.
- Develop and maintain software ranging from low-level and real-time equipment control to data acquisition, data processing, analysis, graphical user interfaces, and web-based applications.
- Develop, maintain, and enhance software supporting optical metrology systems involving interferometry, deflectometry, laser tracking, scanning pentaprism testing, and other specialized measurement systems used to evaluate and characterize telescope mirrors.
- Design and develop software solutions for new research and development projects by evaluating requirements, defining technical approaches, developing applications, and integrating software with specialized scientific and engineering systems.
- Collaborate with optical, mechanical, electrical, and other software engineers to develop multidisciplinary software solutions and integrate software with laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and fabrication systems.
- Analyze existing software and systems to identify performance, reliability, usability, and functionality improvements, and implement appropriate enhancements.
- Develop and execute unit tests, integration tests, and other software testing activities to verify functionality, reliability, and interoperability of software and hardware systems.
- Troubleshoot software, equipment interfaces, data acquisition systems, and related technical issues; identify root causes and implement corrective solutions.
- Process, analyze, and manage data generated by fabrication and metrology systems to support research, engineering, testing, and manufacturing activities.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, software documentation, user instructions, and other project documentation necessary to support system operation and maintenance.
- Review software and technical documentation developed by others and provide recommendations related to functionality, maintainability, testing, and integration.
- Support the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computers, software environments, and network-connected systems used to operate and support specialized research and fabrication equipment.
- Participate in project planning, technical discussions, design reviews, and implementation activities for new and existing research and development projects.
- Train scientists, engineers, technicians, and other users in the operation of software applications, equipment interfaces, and related systems.
- Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
- Ability to work in a cross-functional team.
- Safety-focused, with the ability to produce software that provides safe, reliable, and correct operation.
- Proficiency in developing software using C/C++, Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages.
- Proficiency with Linux and Windows operating systems.
- Ability to develop, configure, or interface software with microcontrollers and embedded hardware platforms, including Delta Tau PMAC, Raspberry Pi, and Teensy/Arduino systems.
- Noiselevels may be sufficient to require shouting in order to be heard abovesurrounding noise.
- Worksafely around moving machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, andenergized systems.
- Performwork from ladders, scaffolding, elevated platforms, and other highlocations as required.
- Safelyhandle and work around chemicals, oils, lubricants, and cutting fluids.
- Followestablished safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE)requirements.
- Safely work in environments with exposure to dust, fumes, odors, chemicals, and other atmospheric conditions associated with fabrication and testing operations.
- Safely perform work in confined or restricted-access spaces as required to support equipment, instrumentation, and facility systems.
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, or an equivalent four-year degree.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- This position supports a federal contract which requires that the selected candidate be a U.S. citizen (non-U.S. citizens or dual citizens cannot be considered for this position).
- Experience with C/C++, Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages.
- Experience with Linux and Windows operating systems.
- Experience with microcontrollers similar to Delta Tau PMAC, Raspberry Pi, and Teensy/Arduino hardware.
FLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $86,870 - $112,932
Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade 11
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator .
Career Stream and Level PC2
Job Family Research Engineering
Job Function Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date 1/4/2027
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates Adrian Loeff
Software Engineer/Programmer
aloeff@arizona.edu
Open Date 9/24/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
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