Senior Technical Program Liaison

Associated Universities Inc • Albuquerque, NM

10d • $110,000 - $130,000 • Remote

About The Position

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) is an array of 66 radio antenna located high in the Chilean Andes. Its scientific capabilities are, by a large factor, better than any other millimeter wave radio telescope. It was commissioned in 2013 and is, to date, the largest ground-based astronomical project. ALMA is supported by a diverse team of people in 4 continents (North America, South America, Europe and Asia). We are seeking an experienced technical lead with strong organizational and communications skills to join the NRAO Data Management and Software department. As the Senior Technical Program Liaison for ALMA Software and Computing, you will work with North American (NA) software and computing managers and technical experts as well as ALMA partners in Europe, East Asia, and Chile to strategize, plan, and coordinate activities in support of ALMA technical development projects and operational support. The successful applicant will have an important role in contributing to the planning and leadership for the next generation of significant software upgrades to the ALMA telescope. This position will be located at one of the NRAO facilities in Charlottesville (VA), Socorro (NM), Albuquerque (NM), or Green Bank (WV). Fully remote work may be possible for a highly qualified candidate.

Requirements

• You have a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Information Systems, Data Management, Data Science or equivalent combination of education and experience required in a closely related field.
• You have at least seven years of experience in software or computing infrastructure design and development with at least three years of experience in leading a technical group or projects.
• You are knowledgeable about traditional project management tools and techniques.
• You have strong interpersonal and group communications skills, oral and written.
• You must be able to participate in international meetings that may take place between 10.00-13.00 UTC and 20.00 to 22.00 UTC.
• You must be able to travel to domestic and international working meetings at a level of approximately two to four one-week trips per year.
• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree in a closely related field is preferred.
• Experience with Agile frameworks is desirable.
• Familiarity with radio astronomy theories and practices is beneficial.
• Experience in personnel management is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison representing NA software and computing activities to an international ALMA computing management team
• Coordinate with science operational stakeholders to ensure software and computing plans align with requirements
• Represent NA software and computing status and risks in ALMA meetings and international forums
• Collaborate with NRAO and international teams to develop management plans, project schedules, resource allocations, data management plans, and technical risk registers for large scale initiatives
• Coordinate and track operational upgrades and communicate implications
• Participate in multi-country ALMA-wide technical meetings
• Communicate effectively with staff at all ALMA sites

Benefits

• AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave).
• 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; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

What This Job Offers

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