Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is inviting applications as a part of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) program.
SOFIA is a premier observatory for infrared and submillimeter astronomy. A 747-SP aircraft carries a 2.5-meter telescope designed to make sensitive infrared measurements on a variety of astronomical objects. SOFIA is a joint project between NASA and German Aerospace Center, DLR. USRA operates the SOFIA Science Center at NASA’s Ames Research Center for NASA. The aircraft observatory is be based at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base. The SOFIA science center offers an exciting research environment and close proximity to astrophysics, planetary science, and astrobiology groups at NASA Ames and the SETI Institute.
USRA is seeking a Facility Science Instrument (FSI) Software Engineer to upgrade, maintain, and operate the instrument control software, which will be delivered to SOFIA Science Mission Operations by instrument development teams together with their instrumentation. SOFIA currently has four facility science instruments (FSI) in development at various Universities. FSI will be operated by USRA to collect infrared images and spectra for astronomers from around the world, to address the formation of stars, atmospheres of planets, the nature of the interstellar medium, and the history of star formation in other galaxies.
This position is based at NASA AMES Research Center Moffett Field, CA; significant travel is required to the home institutions of the instrument teams and to Dryden Flight Research Center Palmdale, CA.
Qualifications and experience required for this position:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, physics/astronomy, or a related science/engineering field.
Software experience -5+ years of Java experience, 2+ years experience with Windows Operating Systems, Experience with C++ and C, Experience with XML, Experience with TCP/IP communication, Experience writing software interfaces to hardware devices (temperature controllers, CCD devices etc),Familiar with the software development lifecycle, especially verification and formal system delivery
Ability to learn new languages / systems quickly
Scientific software experience - Experience with science instrument “quick look” applications, 3+ years of experience in science applications or related area, Experience in the application of software systems in the execution of scientific research
Applicants should submit
Cover letter
Resume/Curriculum Vita
Names and contact information of three references
