Systems-Software Engineer

Lowell Observatory is seeking a Systems/Software Engineer (SSE) at Lowell Observatory’s Navy Precision Optical Interferometer (NPOI). NPOI is the world's largest astronomical optical interferometer and is located at one of the premier dark sky sites within the continental U.S. near Flagstaff, Arizona. NPOI is currently undergoing upgrades which will significantly enhance the array’s capabilities and increase operational reliability.

As a member of Lowell Observatory’s Technology Group, the SSE is responsible for continued development and support of the software and systems infrastructure at NPOI. The SSE position reports to the NPOI Project Manager.

This position is initially funded for the duration of the NPOI Upgrade project (3-5 years), with the potential to become permanent thereafter, assuming satisfactory job performance and the availability of (and funding for) subsequent projects at Lowell Observatory.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Systems/Software Engineer (SSE) designs, implements, and troubleshoots existing and planned upgrades to NPOI, including integrated and PC based systems. The SSE will work directly with partners and stakeholders (Lowell Observatory, US Naval Research Lab, US Naval Observatory, and contractors/outside vendors) to ensure successful implementation of the NPOI upgrades.  This includes the development, support, and documentation of the instrument control, data acquisition, and user interface software, as well as developing new software to support systems upgrades and improvements.  The SSE will ensure compliance with all safety requirements and quality standards.  Additional responsibilities may include support for the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) and other facilities, including data archiving and networking support in conjunction with Lowell’s IT staff as appropriate.  The SSE also will provide night-time support for telescope operators when needed to resolve time-critical software-related issues.

For a complete job description and instructions on how to apply, please visit our employment page https://lowell.edu/about/employment/