IT Specialist; Software Configuration Specialist

IT Specialist (Software Configuration Specialist) (IS-2210-11/12)

Opening date:
December 2, 2025

Closing date:
December 31, 2025

Series/Grade: IS-2210-11/12

Type of Position:
Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal)

Division:
High Energy Astrophysics

Location:

Cambridge, MA

Department:
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Compensation: $83,742 - $130,488 / year

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO collaborates with the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard‑Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA conducts ground‑based astronomy, space‑based research, instrumentation engineering, and education research. The Information Technology Specialist (Configuration Management Specialist) is responsible for extending and maintaining the software configuration management infrastructure for the Chandra X‑ray Observatory and supporting the release and build cycles of the software team that supports the mission.

• Function as part of a team to maintain and improve the Data System internal software build, test, and deployment infrastructure; develop and maintain scripts, operational procedures, and internal documents following the software development lifecycle.
• Monitor automated build and test pipelines/infrastructure routinely, validate results, and provide solutions when errors are encountered; coordinate with the software team when responsibility passes to them.
• Build and deploy software releases; coordinate configuration of test and release platforms with the system group; manage release deployment as part of the team.
• Perform a regular inventory of third‑party software with dependencies in the Data System (OTS, COTS, AOTS); monitor and manage system infrastructure (OS, compiler, libraries) and licenses; coordinate upgrades according to the overall data system schedule.
• Provide support to the software development team with portability, configuration, and compilation issues; mentor team members, respond to problem reports, and use systems such as Jira to record and monitor issues.
• Recommend and coordinate upgrades that fit into the overall goals and schedules, and perform those upgrades as part of an overall data system schedule and plan in coordination with the CM leader and supervisor.

• Attention to Detail – thorough and conscientious when performing work.
• Customer Service – works with clients and customers to assess needs, provide information or assistance, and satisfy expectations.
• Oral Communication – expresses information effectively, tailoring presentations to audiences.
• Problem Solving – identifies problems, evaluates alternatives, and makes recommendations.

MUST possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience involves developing and maintaining CM scripts, operational procedures, and internal documentation.

MUST possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience involves managing the configuration and licenses of various software development tools.

For both grades:
All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited institutions. Undergraduate or graduate degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or related field with a minimum of 24 semester hours. Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree qualifies for grade 11; no…