The University of Texas System - Fort Davis, TX
posted 3 months ago
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.