Software Engineer, Adaptive Optics Instrument (Steward Observatory) (Multiple Positions)

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

1d

About The Position

The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory is seeking two Adaptive Optics Instrument Software Engineers for the Center for Astronomical Adaptive Optics (CAAO). CAAO develops and operates adaptive optics systems for large ground- and space-based telescopes. The engineers will collaborate on production software supporting scientific operations and will design, implement, and maintain adaptive optics instruments and computing resources. The work involves remote computer systems management, communications protocols, hardware controls, and robust software for deployment at remote observatory sites and space-based missions. Candidates with expertise in any subset of these areas are encouraged to apply.

Steward Observatory is a research unit at the University of Arizona, with more than 180 professionals supporting research, education, outreach, laboratories, facilities, and observatories. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience.
• At least 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience developing software for automated, remote operations of complex hardware systems.
• Experience developing in C++.
• Experience developing for a Linux operating system.

Nice To Haves

• MS or PhD in computer science or a related technical field.
• Experience implementing communications protocols, particularly for observatory applications.
• Experience working directly with hardware as part of an embedded software development cycle.
• Experience with adaptive optics and/or astronomical observatory operations.
• Experience in CI frameworks and automated testing.
• Experience developing scientific Python libraries.
• Experience contributing to projects.

Responsibilities

• Implement spacecraft and observatory interfaces for high-speed communications among adaptive optics hardware, including protocol libraries, controls interfaces, and test protocol libraries for serial, network, and other hardware communications.
• Develop applications for space- and ground-based control systems, including telemetry management, data visualizations, dashboards, and scripting engines.
• Develop embedded software to control adaptive optics instrument hardware such as high-speed sensors, heaters, and fast steering mirrors, ensuring integration with the overall scientific-operations control logic.
• Contribute to architecture decisions for automated network management and support missions using distributed computing architectures.
• Develop frameworks that ensure consistency across project requirements, budgets, and simulation configurations, and produce automated system-engineering metrics for tracking and reporting.
• Oversee new features for a mature instrument codebase throughout the software development lifecycle.
• Communicate with scientists, mission operators, engineers, students, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life insurance and disability programs.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members.
• Retirement plans.
• Access to UA recreation and cultural activities.

What This Job Offers

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