Scientific Software Engineer II
About The Position
The Scientific Software Engineer II is a fully competent individual contributor who independently designs, builds, tests, and supports software for observatory operations, instrument integration, and data pipelines. The role works with limited supervision and owns specific software components, following established standards for quality, security, and change control. The engineer troubleshoots component-level issues, participates in on-call support and incident response, and escalates complex problems. The position also guides junior engineers and collaborates with scientists, operations staff, and partners. The engineer shapes design decisions and develops systems that are more reliable, secure, and automated. Work supports the observatory’s software and day-to-day operations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Three years of demonstrated experience developing production-quality software applications using Python or comparable modern programming languages.
- Experience developing and maintaining software components that integrate with existing systems, data pipelines, or instrumentation environments.
- Working experience with version control systems, testing frameworks, and structured release or deployment practices.
- Experience working in Unix/Linux environments, including shell scripting.
- Exposure to operational support, troubleshooting, or on-call environments.
- Solid understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including modular design, testing, documentation, and maintainability.
- Ability to analyze complex technical problems and implement effective solutions.
- Ability to write clear technical documentation and operational procedures.
- Effective time management and ability to manage multiple priorities within defined scope.
- Proficiency in at least one primary programming language, such as Python, C, or JavaScript, and familiarity with supporting tools and frameworks.
- Working knowledge of databases, APIs, and web-enabled applications.
- Familiarity with object-oriented programming principles and common design patterns.
- Exposure to scientific computing, data processing, or automation workflows.
- Ability to use development tools, including IDEs, debugging tools, version control systems, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Valid driver’s license.
Responsibilities
- Independently design, build, test, and support software for observatory operations, instrument integration, and data pipelines.
- Own specific software components and work with limited supervision.
- Follow established standards for software quality, security, and change control.
- Troubleshoot component-level issues, participate in on-call support and incident response, and escalate complex problems.
- Guide junior engineers and share technical knowledge.
- Collaborate with scientists, operations staff, and partners to deliver practical solutions.
- Help shape design decisions and improve system reliability, security, and automation.
Benefits
- Competitive starting salary.
- Generous benefits package, including four weeks of annual paid vacation.
- 8% 403(b) employer contribution with a 4% employee contribution.
- Tuition assistance for dependent children in grades K–12 attending private school on Hawaiʻi Island.
- Comprehensive employer-provided health insurance.
- Relocation support for candidates moving from outside the area.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
