Software Engineer Group Lead, Online - UPDATED
About The Position
The Software Engineer Group Lead manages the Online Software group, directly supervising software staff and overseeing resource allocation, team priorities, performance evaluations, recruiting, team building, professional development, and succession planning. The group develops and maintains software products and shared infrastructure supporting online operations for the VLA, VLBA, and GBT, including data acquisition, dynamic telescope scheduling, observation preparation, and system integration. Its software supports preparation of antenna arrays for scientific observations, selection and execution of scheduling blocks based on array configuration and weather, and proposal calls for NRAO telescope use. The group also develops reusable capabilities and infrastructure for multiple NRAO systems and new projects. The lead guides short- and long-term planning, coordinates development, and establishes engineering practices to improve interoperability, reliability, maintainability, and operational effectiveness. The role collaborates closely with scientists, software and systems engineers, operations staff, and project stakeholders to align common software infrastructure with operational needs and future observatory capabilities. The lead helps identify opportunities to standardize reusable components, reduce duplication, improve consistency, and support the evolution of NRAO software systems. The position is a management role; the lead is not expected to personally write software. It may be based at NRAO locations in Albuquerque or Socorro, New Mexico; Charlottesville, Virginia; or Green Bank, West Virginia. Remote work may be considered for well-qualified candidates. Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, physics, astronomy, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience directly supervising a software team of 3 or more people, including staff performance, resource allocation, recruiting, professional development, and team building.
- At least 7 years of experience in software development.
- Experience working with stakeholders to develop plans and priorities for delivering high-quality, high-value products.
- Experience working in an Agile environment and familiarity with Scrum and team workflow management practices.
- Authorization to work in the United States; the Observatory cannot currently sponsor H-1B visas for this position.
Nice To Haves
- An advanced degree.
- Relevant experience with radio astronomy operating software and procedures.
- Knowledge of radio astronomy theories and practice.
- Demonstrated technical leadership of complex data acquisition, scheduling, and operational support systems.
Responsibilities
- Manage personnel and teams responsible for data acquisition software, dynamic telescope scheduling systems, observation preparation tools, and software system integration.
- Oversee resource allocation, team priorities, recruiting, onboarding, performance evaluations, team building, professional development, and succession planning.
- Build and maintain a culture of trust, collaboration, accountability, and excellence within the group and with stakeholders.
- Maintain a professional working environment and efficient work processes through direct staff management.
- Review timesheets and conduct periodic performance reviews, coordinating with Human Resources and Business departments as needed.
- Comply proactively with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in the work area.
- Coordinate and advise on personnel matters with guidance from Human Resources, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, including affirmative action.
- Advise staff on planning, technical, and operational matters; instruct and orient new employees as needed.
- Interpret, implement, develop, or recommend changes to Observatory rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Oversee the software lifecycle, including requirements gathering, development planning, task assignment, progress tracking, integration, testing, acceptance, and release.
- Manage stakeholder relationships, establish priorities based on stakeholder needs, and maintain effective communications.
- Ensure delivery of high-quality software products that meet stakeholder expectations and schedules.
- Guide software infrastructure development and integration of software components.
- Maintain consistent implementation quality across the software and approve technical direction within the team.
- Interact with expert developers and improve team practices where appropriate.
- Report management status and deadline compliance to NRAO senior management and participating organizations; present status to stakeholders or advisory bodies when requested.
- Collaborate with scientists, software engineers, systems engineers, operations staff, and project stakeholders to align infrastructure with current needs and future capabilities.
- Support standardization of reusable components, reduction of duplication, and improved consistency across NRAO systems.
Benefits
- Paid time off, including 13 holidays and annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days.
- Medical, dental, and vision plans effective on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements.
- Retirement benefit contribution equal to 10% of a qualified participant’s base pay, with no required employee contribution.
- Most benefits begin on the first day of employment, subject to eligibility requirements.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
