Real-Time Telescope Control Software Engineer

Colonial Group; Albuquerque, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision

Retirement plan

Job summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) seeks a software engineer to design and maintain monitor and control software for large radio telescopes. The role involves real-time configuration, interface development with hardware, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with engineers and scientists in a mission-critical, 24/7 environment.

You will model antennas and electronics in software, implement validation rules, participate in code reviews, and help evolve the control system toward ngVLA.

Qualifications

• You have one or more years of experience developing software applications.
• Experience with radio astronomy operating software is preferred.
• Ability to learn new languages and unfamiliar domains.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and maintain monitor and control software for the VLA, VLBA, and GBT in real time.
• Develop and extend the interface layer that communicates with hardware and electronics.
• Model antennas and hardware in software and implement rules/constraints for configurations.
• Work from interface control documents with engineers to ensure correct commands and data.
• Diagnose and resolve cross-layer issues between observing specs and command stream.
• Support evolution of the system toward ngVLA and write documentation.
• Participate in code review, testing, and release processes.

Skills

C

C++

Python

Java

Object-oriented design

Networking concepts

Version control

Testing

CI/CD

Linux (RHEL)

Distributed systems

SCADA

Mathematics/unit-bearing quantities

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, scientific or related field

Advanced degree (not required)

Tools

DIfferent tools not specified

Job description

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) seeks a software engineer to design and maintain monitor and control software for large radio telescopes. The role involves real-time configuration, interface development with hardware, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with engineers and scientists in a mission-critical, 24/7 environment.

You will model antennas and electronics in software, implement validation rules, participate in code reviews, and help evolve the control system toward ngVLA.