Software Engineer - C++, Python

About the National Radio Astronomy ObservatoryThe National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a research and development organization supporting the study of the universe through advanced radio astronomy facilities and technologies. Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), a nonprofit organization, manages and operates NRAO under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.NRAO operates state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities used by the international scientific community and supports scientific research involving areas such as black holes, galaxies, and the early universe.About the RoleNRAO is seeking a Software Engineering Group Lead to directly supervise software engineering staff while providing planning and technical leadership for software products and shared infrastructure supporting online operating systems across the Very Large Array (VLA), Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), and Green Bank Telescope (GBT).The Online Software group supports critical capabilities including data acquisition, dynamic telescope scheduling, observation preparation tools, and software system integration. The team develops and maintains reusable software capabilities and infrastructure components that can be applied across multiple NRAO systems and future projects.The Group Lead will balance personnel management, programmatic oversight, technical direction, and long-term planning while working closely with scientists, software engineers, systems engineers, operations personnel, and project stakeholders.Key ResponsibilitiesPersonnel & Team LeadershipDirectly supervise software engineering staff and provide day-to-day leadership.Build and maintain a culture of trust, collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence.Recruit and onboard software engineering talent while increasing the technical diversity and expertise of the group.Support professional development and succession planning for existing staff.Maintain professional working environments and efficient engineering processes.Conduct periodic performance reviews and review employee timesheets.Coordinate with Human Resources and Business departments on personnel matters when required.Advise and orient staff on planning, technical, and operational matters.Support compliance with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures.Interpret, implement, develop, and recommend changes to organizational rules, policies, and procedures.Programmatic & Software Lifecycle ManagementOversee the complete software development lifecycle for systems managed by the group.Gather requirements, plan development activities, assign tasks, and track progress.Coordinate software integration, testing, acceptance, and release activities.Maintain high standards of software quality and delivery.Manage stakeholder relationships and establish priorities based on stakeholder requirements.Maintain effective communication with project stakeholders and leadership.Ensure software products are delivered according to stakeholder expectations and schedules.Provide regular management status reporting and communicate progress and deadline compliance to senior management and participating organizations.Present project status during formal or informal stakeholder and advisory reviews when required.Technical LeadershipProvide technical direction for software infrastructure and shared software capabilities.Guide integration of software components across NRAO systems.Maintain consistency in software implementation, architecture, and quality.Approve technical direction within the team.Work directly with experienced software developers to evaluate and improve engineering practices.Help establish reusable software components and reduce duplication across systems.Support improved interoperability, reliability, maintainability, and operational effectiveness.Balance maintenance, improvement, and enhancement of operational software systems.Develop long-term technical direction while managing ongoing development activities.Core Software SystemsThe Online Software Engineering group is responsible for software supporting:Data Acquisition: Software involved in preparing antenna arrays for scientific observations and executing observation activities based on current array configuration and operational conditions.Dynamic Telescope Scheduling: Systems that dynamically select and execute appropriate scheduling blocks based on factors such as array configuration and weather conditions.Observation Preparation Tools: Software supporting proposal calls and preparation activities for scientists seeking to use NRAO telescope facilities.Software System Integration: Shared infrastructure and software capabilities designed to provide more consistent and reusable solutions across NRAO systems.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Physics, Astronomy, or a related field.Advanced degree preferred.At least 7 years of software development experience.At least 3 years of direct experience supervising a software team of three or more people.Equivalent relevant experience may be considered.Demonstrated experience leading software development groups.Experience leading distributed teams of software developers.Experience with software management, planning, and reporting.Strong leadership and delegation capabilities.Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.Technical SkillsExperience or familiarity with a range of software technologies and engineering concepts, including:JavaCC++PythonSoftware architectureSoftware testing frameworksThreadingParallelizationRequirements engineeringSoftware integrationQuality assurance processesSoftware development lifecycle managementProject management concepts and techniquesPreferred ExperienceExperience with radio astronomy operating software and procedures.Knowledge of radio astronomy theory and practice.Technical leadership experience involving complex data acquisition systems.Experience with dynamic scheduling systems.Experience supporting operational systems.Experience translating scientific requirements into software requirements.Experience defining and implementing QA processes.Experience establishing technical direction and monitoring development plans.Experience working across organizational boundaries and resolving technical or organizational issues.Leadership & CollaborationThe successful candidate will be expected to collaborate effectively with scientists, software engineers, systems engineers, operations staff, project stakeholders, and organizational leadership.The role requires the ability to establish professional and respectful relationships, anticipate technical and organizational challenges, facilitate alignment, clarify requirements, and maintain productive collaborations across teams and organizations.Work EnvironmentWork is typically performed in a research and development office environment. The position may require occasional domestic and international travel.The role can be based at any of NRAO's locations in:Albuquerque, New MexicoSocorro, New MexicoCharlottesville, VirginiaGreen Bank, West VirginiaFor well-qualified candidates, a remote work arrangement may be considered.Compensation & BenefitsThe starting salary range is USD $123,000–$153,000 per year. Starting compensation may vary based on education, experience, skills, competencies, qualifications, internal equity, and labor market conditions.AUI provides a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility requirements, including:13 paid holidays.Annual vacation accrual of up to 24 days.Medical, dental, and vision plans effective from the first day of employment.Retirement contribution equal to 10% of qualified participants' base pay, with no required employee contribution.Employment EligibilityObservatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory currently cannot sponsor H-1B visas for this position.Application RequirementsApplicants should be prepared to submit:Current CV or resume.Cover letter describing their interest in and suitability for the position.Equal OpportunityAssociated Universities, Inc. (AUI) is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodation is available for applicants who require assistance during any part of the application or hiring process.