R&D Software Engineer II, Steward Observatory

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Steward Observatory is seeking an R&D Software Engineer II to develop, maintain, and integrate software systems supporting the fabrication and metrology of large-scale astronomical telescope mirrors. This role involves applying software engineering principles to create multidisciplinary solutions for mirror fabrication and testing projects, supporting the full software lifecycle from requirements definition to ongoing maintenance. Software systems may include real-time equipment control, data acquisition, data processing and analysis, graphical user interfaces, and web-based applications. Occasional travel may be required. This position supports a federal contract requiring U.S. citizenship.

Requirements

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.
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.
U.S. citizen (non-U.S. citizens or dual citizens cannot be considered for this position).

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.