Software Controls Engineer
W. M. Keck Observatory
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
W. M. Keck Observatory is seeking a Software Controls Engineer II to turn napkin sketches into real, working features for our telescope control software.
You will collaborate with multiple engineering teams to build reliable, scalable software that interfaces with hardware and EPICS-based systems. The role emphasizes code quality, constructive reviews, and ongoing growth in new tools and areas, with a friendly, often humorous workplace vibe.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science or equivalent in CS/Engineering/Physics/Math.
- 3–7 years of experience in developing code for observing tools, data tools, and/or general software development.
- Practical experience creating software applications with Python.
- Software applications with hardware interfaces.
- Practical experience of change control, build and release management processes.
- Unix/Linux shell scripting.
- Experience with communication protocols (RS-232/485/422, SPI, I2C).
- Broad knowledge of modern software engineering practices, especially in areas of re-use and testability.
- Good knowledge of database design.
- TCP/IP networking.
- Fundamental operating system administration.
- Competency in C/C++, Python, databases.
- User interface development with Java, Qt, React, or other GUI toolkits.
- Competency using OO paradigm and design patterns.
Responsibilities
- Turn ideas into clean, reliable, scalable software for telescopes.
- Review code constructively and collaborate across engineering disciplines.
- Grow technical and professional chops and explore new tools and areas.
- Work with others to implement software systems in EPICS and hardware interfaces.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Application Deadline:30 November 2026
Department:Software Engineering
Employment Type:Full Time
Location:W.M. Keck Headquarters
Reporting To:Software Engineering Manager
Compensation:$94,966 - $114,760 / year
Join us as our newest Software Engineer II and make code that even our telescopes admire!
Are you someone who genuinely enjoys solving problems—even the weird ones that start with “so… this only happens on Tuesdays?” Do you ask good questions, share ideas freely, and collaborate without ego? Do you communicate clearly, write code thoughtfully, and aren’t afraid to admit when you don’t know something? Do you appreciate a workplace where the vibe is friendly, the work is interesting, and humor is very welcome?
The Software Engineer II spends their days turning ideas into clean, reliable, scalable software—preferably without summoning any new and exciting bugs. They work with friendly humans across multiple engineering disciplines to transform napkin sketches and ambitious brainstorms into real, working features. They review code (theirs and others’) in a way that is constructive, kind, and ideally free of passive-aggressive comments. They have room to stretch into new areas, experiment with tools they’re curious about, and grow their technical and professional chops along the way. They may also use previous robotics or control systems experiences to understand what design tradeoffs that may exist when updating our software systems implemented in EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System). Tapping into any knowledge or previous experiences with motors and electric drives, embedded systems, or DFx would also help out greatly.
In this role the Software Engineer II genuinely enjoys solving problems—even the weird ones that start with “so… this only happens on Tuesdays.” They ask good questions, share ideas freely, and collaborate without ego. On a daily basis they communicate clearly, write code thoughtfully, and aren’t afraid to admit when you don’t know something. They appreciate a workplace where the vibe is friendly, the work is interesting, and humor is very welcome.
- Competitive starting salary
- Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation
- A robust 8% 403(b) employer contribution (with a 4% employee contribution)
- Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai’i Island
- Comprehensive, employer provided health insurance
- We offer relocation support for candidates moving from outside the area.
- Be a part of a dedicated team working on the frontiers of astronomy.
- Bachelor of Science or equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or other relevant engineering or science field
- 3-7 years of experience in developing code used for observing tools, data tools, and/or general software development
- Practical experience creating software applications with Python
- Software applications with hardware interfaces
- Practical experience of change control, build and release management processes
- Unix/Linux shell scripting
- Experience with communication protocols (RS-232/485/422, SPI, I2C)
- Broad knowledge of modern software engineering practices, especially in areas of re-use and testability
- Good knowledge of database design
- TCP/IP networking
- Fundamental operating system administration
- Competency in C/C++, Python, databases
- User interface development with Java, Qt, React, or other GUI toolkits
- Competency using O-O paradigm and design patterns
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