Software Engineer II

NOIRLab's Data Management and Software division is seeking a Software Development Engineer II who will integrate and optimize backend technologies, observatory control systems and infrastructure engineering. Your expertise in Python, C and C++ will be critical as you develop low-latency, high-reliability services that control telescope operations and manage instrumentation integration.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including hardware engineers, scientists and operations staff to architect, build and support software that ensures observatory uptime, scientific data integrity and operational safety.

What You Will Be Working On

Our technology stack includes:

• Python, C and C++ middleware and control software for observatory systems
• Linux-based environments with system-level scripting and service orchestration
• Real-time telemetry and monitoring using Grafana, InfluxDB and Redis
• Queue scheduling system leveraging PostgreSQL, Django REST backend and a Bootstrap UI with vanilla JavaScript for dynamic interactions

Key initiatives include:

• Designing and maintaining telescope control middleware and backend services
• Developing monitoring and observability pipelines to track system health and performance
• Integrating new instruments into the control ecosystem
• Diagnosing and resolving real-time software and system faults during observatory operations
• Automating deployments and infrastructure management for robust, repeatable releases

Essential Functions 

• Design, implement and maintain backend services and middleware for telescope and instrument control
• Develop and operate observability tools and dashboards to monitor system telemetry and health
• Collaborate with hardware and instrumentation teams to integrate software and hardware interfaces
• Own the identification and resolution of critical production faults with precision and speed
• Build and improve CI/CD pipelines to streamline deployment and rollback processes
• Drive clarity through high-quality technical documentation and strengthen team expertise through active knowledge sharing
• Provide onsite system support and maintenance at an elevation of approximately 6,800 ft.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or a related technical field
• 4+ years of professional software engineering experience in backend or systems programming roles
• Extensive, proven experience with Python, C and C++
• Extensive, proven experience designing, building and maintaining distributed systems or services in a real-time or data-intensive environment
• Proven high-level proficiency of software engineering fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures, concurrency, version control, CI/CD, etc.
• Extensive, proven experience working with APIs, network protocols or hardware integration
• Proven high-level proficiency in problem-solving and debugging, including experience with live systems and production-quality software
• Clear and effective communicator, adept at documenting and conveying technical information to non-technical audiences
• Comfortable working with a remote, globally distributed team
• Physically capable of working at the KPNO site, located at an elevation of approximately 6,800 ft.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of telescope control systems, remote observatory operations and observatory middleware architectures
• Knowledge of observatory infrastructure, software integration and data pipelines in a scientific research context
• Familiarity with scientific computing workflows, observational instruments and astronomical data processing
• Contributions to open-source telescope, scientific or engineering software
• Background in DevOps or SRE practices for critical system reliability
• Experience with Tcl/Tk programming for legacy system integration and instrumentation control
• Experience with PLC programming (e.g., ladder logic) for hardware interface and motion control in telescope subsystems
• Passion for astronomy, scientific software and advancing scientific research and discovery through innovative technology

Why Join Us

At NSF’s NOIRLab, we believe in science for everyone. Our Data Management and Software division is committed to building high-performance, scalable solutions that drive progress and support the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies in our operations. You will join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values creativity, innovation and technical excellence. Your work will directly enable scientific breakthroughs and provide critical operational support to astronomers worldwide — and you will help shape how a new generation explores and interacts with the night sky.

Preference will be given to qualified internal candidates and qualified Native Americans living on or near the Tohono O'odham reservation. 

Salary Range:

$92,800 - $102,200. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/ 

How to Apply

Apply by October 29, 2025 for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. 

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here