Head of Software Engineering

Associated Universities Inc. • Charlottesville, VA

5d • $144,755 - $178,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation, is a leading research and development organization focused on the study of the universe. NRAO operates state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities and has been pivotal in advancing our understanding of cosmic phenomena. The Observatory is seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Software Engineering (Software Division Head) to lead one of its most critical technical organizations. This role reports to the Assistant Director for Data Management & Software (DMS) and is responsible for providing strategic, operational, and technical leadership to a diverse team of software engineering professionals. The team develops and supports software systems essential for scientific discovery, telescope operations, data management, and Observatory-wide services. The Head of Software Engineering will manage the Division's programmatic direction, personnel, and budget, while fostering collaboration across scientific, engineering, operations, and IT departments. The ideal candidate will be a proven leader capable of guiding organizational and technical evolution, enhancing engineering practices, and building high-performing teams to deliver reliable, scalable software systems in support of NRAO's mission. This position can be located at any NRAO facility (Charlottesville, VA; Socorro or Albuquerque, NM; Green Bank, WV), with potential for hybrid or remote work for highly qualified candidates.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline; highly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• At least seven (7) years of progressively more responsible experience in software engineering, including experience leading technical teams, projects, or organizational functions
• Demonstrated experience leading software engineering organizations, technical programs, or large-scale development teams
• Experience managing budgets, personnel, and organizational priorities in a complex technical environment
• Demonstrated success leading technical organizations through growth, modernization, process improvement, or organizational change
• Experience with iterative or incremental software development practices and modern delivery approaches
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships across multiple disciplines and organizational boundaries
• Ability to balance strategic planning with operational execution
• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.
• A moderate amount (4-6 trips per year) of travel both domestic and international may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Ten (10)+ years of relevant software engineering experience, including leadership of managers, technical leads, or multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Experience supporting scientific, research, engineering, or mission-critical operational environments
• Familiarity with large-scale software systems, scientific computing, cloud platforms, data-intensive applications, or observatory operations
• Experience working with federally funded research organizations or similar mission-driven institutions

Responsibilities

• Providing overall leadership and strategic direction for the Software Division
• Developing and executing division plans that support Observatory priorities, scientific goals, and operational requirements
• Ensuring accountability for Division objectives, deliverables, and Program Operating Plan (POP) commitments
• Representing the Division in reviews, planning activities, and leadership discussions
• Leading organizational initiatives that improve effectiveness, adaptability, and long-term sustainability of software engineering capabilities
• Managing Division budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation across multiple groups and initiatives
• Overseeing software development portfolios and ensuring effective prioritization, planning, and delivery of strategic and operational initiatives
• Supporting workforce planning and long-term organizational sustainability
• Establishing effective planning and delivery processes that promote transparency, adaptability, and predictable execution
• Providing leadership for cross-division and Observatory-wide software initiatives
• Promoting software engineering best practices, technical standards, and quality processes across the organization
• Encouraging modern software development practices that improve collaboration, quality, maintainability, and delivery outcomes
• Leading, mentoring, and supporting Group Managers and technical leaders
• Fostering a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Supporting recruitment, performance management, career development, and succession planning
• Championing professional development and workforce growth initiatives
• Creating an environment that supports learning, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Ensuring standardization and equity in the hiring and compensation of software engineers
• Building strong partnerships with scientific staff, Observatory operations, engineering organizations, project teams, and institutional leadership
• Supporting matrix-managed teams working across projects, telescope operations, and software organizations
• Communicating technical and strategic information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Providing consultation and support to the Assistant Director for Data Management & Software and other senior leaders on matters relevant to Observatory programs and strategy
• Ensuring adherence to institutional policies, federal requirements, cybersecurity expectations, and established procedures
• Maintaining effective operational processes and management practices across the Division
• Supporting Observatory-wide planning, risk management, and reporting activities
• Maintaining alignment with Observatory software lifecycle practices and engineering governance frameworks

Benefits

• Excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days)
• Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment.
• AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior