Remote Astronomy Software Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin

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Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Software Eng/Developer III
Job Summary:
The Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center (WIPAC) is a scientific center within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. WIPAC research focuses on exploring the high energy universe, including managing the operations of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole. This role works closely with the IceCube operations team in Madison, WI.
The Software Engineer will provide critical support to a dynamic team at WIPAC through duties such as software development, data acquisition, and detector monitoring. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and willing to be on-call to respond to time-critical issues.
As part of the IceCube operations team, the hired individual will:

• Develop and maintain IceCube Upgrade device embedded data acquisition software and device calibration and communications testing software
• Develop and maintain software to replace a legacy digital communications Linux kernel device driver
• Develop and maintain data quality monitoring systems for the IceCube Upgrade
• Mentor junior developers
• Attend weekly meetings to discuss progress and future plans
• Present status updates to the IceCube collaboration
• Complete other projects as assigned

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Consults with clients on project status, proposals, or technical issues

• May supervise unit staff and resolve routine personnel issues

• Designs and develops well integrated applications that meet present and future business needs

• Leads application development, integration upgrades, and maintenance projects

• Determines testing methodologies and manages the development and implementation of comprehensive test plans

• Develops data structure and systems performance strategies

• Trains and provides technical guidance to lower level staff

• Reviews systems requirements, design, and business processes to ensure the alignment with IT and business strategies

• Provides expertise on the resolution and technical approach of complex technical design and system integration problems

• Conducts system analysis, reviews, and interprets system requirements, and develops detailed system design specifications for system integration and upgrades

Department:
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Wisconsin IceCube Particle Astrophysics Center
Compensation:
The starting salary for the position is $90,000 (but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications).
This position is being posted at Software Engineer/Developer levels 3 and 4. Level and pay are commensurate with experience.
Required Qualifications:
Minimum 3 years of experience in the following:

• Python programming, including version/dependency management (e.g. venv/pip/uv)
• Embedded C programming experience (e.g. STM32)
• Cross-platform embedded system test harnesses and simulation
• Linux kernel device driver development
• Development of platforms for hardware testing and results visualization
• Developing and extending custom digital communications protocols
• Containers and containerized workflows (e.g. Docker/Docker Compose, Podman)
• Web technologies (e.g. HTML/CSS/JavaScript)
• MongoDB and at least one relational DB (e.g. Postgres, MySQL)
• Continuous integration (CI) practices (e.g. GitHub Actions, Jenkins, CircleCI)
• Source code management and issue tracking (e.g. git)
• Shell scripting and Linux system administration

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated facility with all stages of the development lifecycle, from proof-of-concept and greenfield development through supporting and refreshing legacy applications.
• Track record of mentoring junior developers.
• Experience in high-energy particle astrophysics and/or Antarctic deployments.

Education:
Bachelor's Degree Required preferably in in engineering, physics, computer science, IT, or related field
How to Apply:
Click the "Apply" button on the jobs.wisc.edu website to start the application process. Please submit a resume and cover letter (Important: The application only has one attachment field. Upload your documents as a single combined file (PDF preferred) or as multiple files in the "Resume/Cover Letter" box). Cover letters should reference job number JR10010583, and highlight experience, knowledge, and skills as they relate to the listed qualifications for maximum consideration. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process.
Contact Information:
Christy Lowney, christy.lowney@wisc.edu
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Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
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