Senior Software Engineer

The MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MKI) seeks an experienced Software Engineer to develop and deploy ground- and space-based instrumentation and supporting equipment for NASA- and NSF-funded missions. Will design and review software architecture and development environments; conduct independent code development and testing in multiple languages; design and review light-weight code for satellite instrument and ground observatory operation, including associated documentation; participate in multi-organization collaborations; work independently or lead small teams of developers to achieve both prescribed and self-identified outcomes; support active programs and script a ground-based observatory instrument control interface (GUI with scriptable command-line interface), including display feedback; and perform other duties as assigned.  

REQUIRED: B.S. in computer science or closely related discipline; eight years of experience in software engineering for scientific instrumentation, space systems, or related applications; familiarity with Python and the Linux command line; proposal development skills for the review and revision of RFI responses, proposal generation, requirement and specification definitions, and associated cross-training; and excellent written and verbal communication skills.  PREFERRED: familiarity with NASA policy, procedures, and requirements, including class C software development; familiarity with software development accounting for federal IT security policies and practices; experience with NASA, NSF, or similar proposal and/or RFI response development; experience with firmware design and development; supervisory experience or a leadership role within an engineering group; experience on multidisciplinary development teams and coordinating with research scientists, managers, and other engineering specialists; and interest in continuing education, including both structured and self-education.  U.S. personhood with a valid passport is required for export-control purposes and occasional international travel.

Due to the nature of this work, on-site presence is required in Cambridge, MA. Hybrid work arrangements may be acceptable, depending on the specific requirements of ongoing projects.