Senior Software Engineer

Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is the science operations center for several NASA missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the most famous space observatory in history. We also lead the science and mission operations for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), planned to launch in 2021. We are responsible for a multi-petabyte astronomical data archive that maintains the HST, Kepler, GALEX, and TESS mission data that will maintain mission data for the future JWST and Roman space telescopes. At STScI, we are building an innovative, cloud-based science platform for the processing and analysis of observations from these flagship missions.

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to contribute new software to support the calibration of observations to enable the next generation of discoveries in astrophysics.You will collaborate with a team that is passionate about the work they do in support of astronomers around the world. We offer an excellent and generous benefits package, tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedules and a stimulating and diverse work environment.

Explore out benefits at: http://www.stsci.edu/opportunities/benefits

Your primary responsibilities:

You will develop and implement astrometric solutions and image registration techniques for a variety of astronomical data in a fast-paced multi-mission environment. You will expand these solutions to handle processing of large data sets.

Which include:

Developing models for converting pixel coordinates to physical coordinates such as sky position and spectral wavelengths in the HST, JWST and Roman pipelines.

Contributing to open source python packages for the above capabilities.

Supporting such models within the ASDF (Advanced Scientific Data Format) format.

Your Qualifications and Job Requirements:

Experience in using Python

Experience with coordinate transformations, distortions and projections

Strong mathematical facility for analyzing and fitting nonlinear models

Familiarity with astronomical coordinate systems is a plus

Experience with open source libraries like numpy, scipy, and astropy

Experience with developing and using scientific modeling software

Familiarity using Git in a team setting

Familiarity with test development for software

Strong teamwork, analytical, problem-solving, planning and organizational skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.

This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence in order to meet ITAR requirements.

Bachelor’s Degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, Astronomy, or related field. Masters is a plus. The position level and salary are commensurate with education and experience.

To APPLY: This position is available immediately. Please upload one cover letter and resume on one PDF document for review. Relocation assistance may be available. Applications received by January 31 2021 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.

Direct Link: Senior Software Engineer - #0001849a

*STScI has most staff working virtually from home during the COVID-19 crisis through June 2021. The safety of our staff and community is our top priority. We will continue to interview and screen candidates in this new virtual landscape. Offers of employment can be extended and new hires will on-board virtually. If applicable, relocation benefits will be available to those eligible when travel can be supported but employees are required to be resident in the Baltimore-Washington area within a limited time from their start date.**

 

 

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp

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 and all of the centers, do 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 that are included for protection and to assist us in our record keeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

STScI sees the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in our desire to create a first-rate scientific community. We reflect that deep commitment in strongly encouraging women, minorities, veterans and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities.

Veterans, disabled individuals or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at [email protected]. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)