HET Software Engineer, McDonald Observatory

Job Posting

Title:

HET Software Engineer, McDonald Observatory

Hiring Department: McDonald Observatory

Location: MCDONALD OBSERVATORY (16 miles from Ft. Davis, Texas)

Salary Range: $65,000+ depending on qualifications and experience

• Serves as a programmer in the development of new software products directly related to the design and operation of telescope and instrument control systems. Also includes the upgrade of existing software in support of existing telescope hardware.
• Maintains existing software already in production, providing for the rapid resolution of software bugs identified by operators and site staff, and continuously develops familiarity with all code bases.
• Serves in a broad‑spectrum backup role in the event that another team member is unavailable; includes maintaining an active interest in other systems related to those directly involved in assigned projects.
• Linux system administration.
• Act as HET Operations Engineer as required in the schedule rotation.
• Respond as necessary to nighttime repair and maintenance calls from the telescope operations staff.
• Attend meetings and deliver status reports as necessary. Work directly with project scientists, engineers, and computing staff. Maintain consistent pre‑ and post‑incident communication with team members to ensure full problem resolution and project completion. Update the content of both internal and external documentation archives, notify users and staff of software changes in production packages, and retain backup copies and version archives of software products.
• Perform other related functions to meet business needs and as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree.
• Production experience with at least two programming languages.
• At least one year of demonstrated knowledge of software development and system administration (design, coding, debugging, integration, and testing) in a GNU/Linux environment with a focus on the software‑interface portions of electromechanical device control systems.
• Familiarity with core languages C, C++ and Python; experience with version control systems such as Subversion or Git.
• Ability to serve as a lead programmer on complex and challenging software development projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and take direction from the lead programmer.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and as an integral member of a project team.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of personalities as part of a team.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States for an employer on a full‑time basis.

• Recent experience in the authoring of control system software for computer‑controlled mechanical systems, including all aspects of the software product from authoring of low‑level hardware/software interface code (device drivers and digital IO) through end‑user GUI development.
• Experience with formal software project management and version control systems such as Subversion or Git. Familiarity with mechanical systems and process control concepts, programmable logic devices (PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs), stepper motors & encoders, computer hardware & communications protocols, distributed system design, or operating systems including Linux and Windows.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex mathematical/statistical concepts and author software that applies these concepts.
• Experience in analyzing and debugging existing C/C++, Python, Tcl/Tk, MySQL, PHP, or Perl code.
• Familiarity with the authoring and debugging of LabVIEW and/or Matlab/Simulink code.
• Ability to learn new skills and expand personal knowledge base through research and training.

• May work in all weather conditions and in extreme temperatures.
• May work around chemical fumes.
• May work around standard office conditions. Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Climbing of stairs. Climbing of ladders. Lifting and moving.
• Work at heights up to 100 feet, using a man‑lift or ladders.
• Use of PPE including hard hats, safety harnesses, eye and ear protection.
• Since we are a 24/7…