HET Software Engineer, McDonald Observatory

University of Texas at Austin

2d•$65,000•Onsite

About The Position

McDonald Observatory, located in the Davis Mountains of West Texas, offers state-of-the-art telescopes and research instruments, hosts global observatories and engages the public through educational programs. This position is based at McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Ft. Davis, Texas, and approximately 440 miles from the University of Texas at Austin campus. This position is occasionally expected to respond to failures and business needs relating to the telescope outside of normal work hours (nights, weekends, and holidays). UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes: 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage Retirement contributions Paid vacation and sick time Paid holidays Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered. Purpose To program, install, maintain, and support the computers and network of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) at the McDonald Observatory with emphasis on designing and authoring new code, and maintaining existing code for the control of the telescope sub-systems. These efforts are part of continuing telescope development projects to operate and upgrade the HET as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
Production experience with at least two programming languages.
At least one year of demonstrated knowledge of software development and system administration (design, coding, debugging, integration, and testing) in a GNU/Linux environment with a focus on the software-interface portions of electromechanical device control systems.
Familiarity with core languages C, C++ and Python; experience with version control systems such as Subversion or Git.
Ability to serve as a lead programmer on complex and challenging software development projects.
Demonstrated ability to work in a team and take direction from the lead programmer.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and as an integral member of a project team.
Ability to work with a wide variety of personalities as part of a team.
Must be eligible to work in the United States for an employer on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

Recent experience in the authoring of control system software for computer-controlled mechanical systems, includes all aspects of the software product from the authoring of low-level hardware/software interface code (device drivers and digital IO) through end-user GUI development.
Experience with formal software project management and version control systems such as Subversion or Git.
Familiarity with mechanical systems and process control concepts, programmable logic devices (PLDs. CPLDs, FPGAs), stepper motors & encoders, computer hardware & communications protocols, distributed system design, or operating systems including Linux and Windows.
Demonstrated ability to handle complex mathematical/statistical concepts and author software that applies these concepts.
Experience in analyzing and debugging existing C/C++, Python, Tcl/Tk, MySQL, PHP, or Perl code.
Familiarity with the authoring and debugging of LabVIEW and/or Matlab/Simulink code.
Ability to learn new skills and expand personal knowledge base through research and training.

Responsibilities

Serves as a programmer in the development of new software products directly related to the design and operation of telescope and instrument control systems. Also includes the upgrade of existing software in support of existing telescope hardware.
Maintains existing software already in production, providing for the rapid resolution of software bugs identified by operators and site staff, continuously develops familiarity with all code bases.
Serves in a broad-spectrum backup role in the event that another team member is unavailable; includes maintaining an active interest in other systems related to those directly involved in assigned projects.
Linux system administration.
Act as HET Operations Engineer as required in the schedule rotation.
Respond as necessary to nighttime repair and maintenance calls from the telescope operations staff.
Attends meetings and delivers status reports as necessary.
Works directly with project scientists, engineers, and computing staff.
Maintains consistent pre and post-incident communication with team members to ensure full problem resolution and project completion.
Updates the content of both internal and external documentation archives, notifies users and staff to software changes in production packages, retains backup copies and version archives of software products.
Performs other related functions to meet business needs and as assigned.