Software Engineering Manager, Hobby-Eberly Telescope, McDonald Observatory

$90,000 - $90,000/Yr

The University of Texas System - Fort Davis, TX

Part-time - Manager

Fort Davis, TX

Educational Services

About the position

This position is for a software engineering manager for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) at the McDonald Observatory. The HET is one of the world's largest telescopes, operates on a 24/7 schedule, and is located 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas, which is 440 miles from the UT Austin campus. The software engineering manager will be responsible for managing the day-to-day activities and longer-term projects for the HET software team. This role requires responding to problems and business needs relating to the telescope outside of normal work hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Residence in the Observatory's residential community may be available and required. The position may also be subject to “call-back” as an essential emergency or critical response employee. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US full-time for any employer without sponsorship. The software engineering manager will lead a team that consists of three staff members in West Texas and one staff member in Austin. The role involves overseeing the software and computer infrastructure, which includes designing, modifying, or repairing HET software and computer systems. The manager will define hardware and software requirements, set expectations for software development and maintenance standards, and ensure proper documentation and version control. Collaboration with the HET Science Operations team and observatory colleagues is essential to monitor, maintain, and improve the HET computer infrastructure and software, which directly impacts the telescope's scientific output. In addition to technical responsibilities, the manager will supervise the HET Computing/Software Group, assigning and monitoring tasks, hiring, training, mentoring, and providing daily reporting on the software group's activities. The role also includes maintaining clear and accurate records of HET system performance and publishing internal technical reports. Long-term planning and technical direction for HET computer hardware and software tasks and personnel will be part of the responsibilities, along with managing the HET problem reporting system. The manager will also respond to nighttime repair and maintenance calls from the telescope operations staff as necessary, performing other related duties as assigned to meet operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day activities and longer-term projects for the HET software team.
• Lead the design, modification, or repair of HET software and computer infrastructure.
• Define hardware and software requirements and set expectations for software development and maintenance standards.
• Collaborate with the HET Science Operations team and observatory colleagues to improve the HET computer infrastructure and software.
• Supervise the HET Computing/Software Group, assigning and monitoring tasks, and providing daily reporting on activities.
• Maintain clear and accurate records and logs documenting HET system performance.
• Provide long-term planning and technical direction for HET computer hardware and software tasks and personnel.
• Manage the HET problem reporting system and respond to nighttime repair and maintenance calls.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Eight years of experience in software development and support using multiple software languages including Python, C++, and C in a Redhat LINUX environment.
• Experience using or designing specialized research equipment as required in the work environment.
• Understanding of system-level interactions between mechanics, optics, electronics, and software.
• Self-driven individual with keen technical ability and sound engineering judgment.
• Excellent theoretical and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field.
• Experience working with software supporting astronomy-related research and/or instrumentation.
• Experience in a 24/7 operations environment.
• Experience in a heterogeneous computing environment.
• Experience writing and debugging in Python, C++, C, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Simulink, and shell scripting in Redhat LINUX.
• Successful experience supervising a team of software engineers and systems administrators.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)
• Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax-sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses