At NOIRLab we are looking for Full Stack Software Engineers to join diverse teams that are working at the forefront of astronomy. Come work with us on design, development, and operations of services and software interfaces that enable astronomers around the world to explore our universe using the most advanced telescopes on the planet.

The International Gemini Observatory, part of NOIRlab, consists of twin 8.1-meter diameter optical/infrared telescopes located on two of the best observing sites on the planet. From their locations on Maunakea in Hawai‘i and Cerro Pachón in Chile, Gemini Observatory's telescopes can collectively access the entire sky. Gemini is currently undertaking a major project developing DRAGONS (Data Reduction for Astronomy from Gemini Observatory North and South), a software suite to provide reliable, automatic reductions of scientific data. In addition, we operate the Gemini Observatory Archive (GOA), an essential and critical component of the observatory science operations. The GOA is a major contributor in our developing capability to distribute reduced data on a rapid timescale for follow-up of transient phenomena in the era of multi-messenger astronomy .

Given this exciting work, we are expanding our software team and we are looking to hire two Full Stack software engineers (either "Software Engineer I" - junior level - to "Software Engineer IV", depending on experience and qualifications) to design and develop software to support Gemini’s principal investigators in their production of world-class scientific results.

These professionals will contribute to the architecture, design, implementation and operation of DRAGONS and GOA - including work on database improvements, API and backend services to interface with other software and telescope subsystems, front-end user interfaces, scientific algorithms for quality assessment, data reduction and analysis.

These engineers will require close interaction with team members located at both Gemini North and Gemini South in Hilo and La Serena. While the preferred location is Hilo, Hawaii or La Serena, Chile, the job can be performed remotely from Chile or the US states that AURA operates in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C. Other options might be discussed.

Essential Functions:

• Contribute to the design, development, testing, and optimization of DRAGONS core infrastructure and scientific algorithms used to assess the quality of data as it is being obtained, reduce that data for rapid access by a transient follow-up system, and provide end-users with flexible tools to make customizable non-standard reductions and
• Within a team of engineers and scientists, contribute to the continuing development of the Gemini Observatory Archive system to store and search data from the Gemini telescopes. Specifically, the full stack software engineer will develop software to implement new features in support of rapid follow-up and smart access to fully calibrated and reduced data.
• Follow a diligent software development cycle from requirements and design, documentation, coding standards, test driven development, to the application of quality control and configuration control methodology.
• Communicate effectively and clearly with a wide range of specialists, including non-technical experts.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the regression and continuous integration test platforms.

Other Functions:

• Act as a consultant to external instrument developers as they develop data reduction software for DRAGONS and assist in the integration, testing, and deployment of that
• Contribute to the integration of DRAGONS with other tools for observation planning and analysis for an end-to-end user experience.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Clear and effective communication skills
• Enthusiastic about exploring and evaluating new technologies
• Life-long learner attitude
• Team player
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience. This position requires fluency in data structures, algorithms, optimization, programming languages, distributed systems, databases, etc.
• Proficient in Python
• Experience developing software in Unix/Linux environments
• Experience working with relational databases and SQL
• Experience developing back-end and front-end solutions for operational environments
• This position requires fluency in English

Preferred Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of Python and Object Oriented principles - at least 2 years of experience developing Python packages for public distribution.
• Experience working with bokeh, Apache, Nginx web servers and modern web frameworks and web technologies, e.g. Django, Angular, Vue, Flask, React, Web Components, Web Assembly, and RESTful interfaces.
• Experience with a variety of programming languages and paradigms (Python, Java, C++, Scala, shell scripting)
• Experience with continuous-integration/continuous-deployment (CI/CD) frameworks (like Jenkins)
• Experience working in cloud environments: AWS, GCP, Azure, etc.
• Experience working in a scientific environment, and with development of scientific workflows
• Unix systems administration experience.
• Committed to incorporating and developing open-source (where possible), open-access, and reproducible solutions

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work is mostly carried out in an office environment. Long periods of sitting may be required.

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

Please list 3 professional references in your application (references will only be contacted later in the recruitment process) and attach: a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: Lastname Docname. Application documents that are not uploaded as part of the application may be sent to employment@aura-astronomy.org.

The position will remain open until filled. To be considered in the first round of reviews, please submit your application by January 20, 2023.

• UPDATE: We have extended the application deadline to be considered in the first round of interviews by March 31, 2023.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of 47 US institutions and 3 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories for the National Science Foundation and NASA. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. In addition, AURA is deeply committed to public and educational outreach, and to diversity throughout the astronomical and scientific workforce. AURA carries out its role through its astronomical facilities.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off, health and welfare benefits, 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/employee-benefits-guide/

As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.