NOIRLab's Systems Engineering Department is seeking a Software Development Engineer I to integrate and optimize backend technologies, develop software infrastructure and data analysis for predictive maintenance, and train observatory staff at the summit site to use the CMMS, starting at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

The CMMS requires information to be stored to efficiently trigger preventive maintenance activities. The data must be ingested automatically. The Rubin Observatory's main source of these data is the EFD. The data stored in the EFD can be accessed directly via the Rubin Science Platform. To perform predictive maintenance, the EFD data must be automatically analyzed, and defined limits must be applied.

Your expertise in Python will be critical as you develop the connection observatory database systems with the Computerised Maintenance Management System OpenMAINT from PAT.

The appointment is for one year, with the expectation of being made permanent.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including hardware engineers, scientists, and operations staff, to architect, build, and support software that ensures observatory uptime, scientific data integrity, and operational safety. 

What You Will Be Working On

Our technology stack includes: 

•  The Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) from OpenMAINT
•  The Python-based Rubin Science Platform
•  Linux-based environments with system-level scripting and service orchestration
•  Real-time telemetry and monitoring using Grafana, InfluxDB and Redis
•  Queue scheduling system leveraging PostgreSQL, Django REST backend and a Bootstrap UI with vanilla JavaScript for dynamic interactions
•  The Atlassian Suite with JIRA and other products and their respective API’s

Key initiatives include: 

•  Designing and maintaining the CMMS-Database connection
•  Developing monitoring and observability pipelines to track system health and performance
•  Diagnosing and helping to resolve real-time software and system faults during observatory operations
•  Actively teaching users of the CMMS how to use it on the user and admin levels.
•  Ingesting maintenance activities and assets support the CMMS users

Essential Functions  

•  Design, implement and maintain backend services and middleware for the observatory-wide CMMS.
•  Train the observatory staff in using the CMMS.
•  Develop and operate observability tools and dashboards to monitor system telemetry and health.
•  Collaborate with hardware and instrumentation teams to integrate software and hardware interfaces.
•  Own the identification and resolution of critical production faults with precision and speed.
•  Drive clarity through high-quality technical documentation and strengthen team expertise through active knowledge sharing.
•  Provide on-site system support and maintenance at an elevation of approximately 6,800 ft.
•  Continue developing and maintaining the software connection between the Engineering Facility Database or other data sources.
•  Continue implementing the software triggers needed for predictive maintenance.
•  Support updating the taxonomy
•  Support the preventive and corrective maintenance activities
•  Train the summit personnel on the use of the CMMS software
•  Use the information to perform trend analysis and trigger actions based on a given trend.
•  Eventually extend his engagement in formentation tasks to other programs at
•  Other tasks will include supporting the SE team with
  •  JIRA workflow implementation and other JIRA improvements.
  •  The team's Systems Engineering-related tasks, including Verification and Validation activities, Systems modeling, and others.

Requirements 

•  Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science or a related technical field
•  1+ years of professional software engineering experience in backend or systems programming roles
•  Extensive, proven experience with Python
•  Extensive, proven experience with the CMMS software OpenMAINT
•  Proven high-level proficiency in software engineering fundamentals, including algorithms, data structures, concurrency, version control, etc.
•  Extensive, proven experience working with APIs, network protocols or hardware integration
•  Proven high-level proficiency in problem-solving and debugging, including experience with live systems and production-quality software
•  Clear and effective communicator, adept at documenting and conveying technical information to non-technical audiences
•  Comfortable working with a remote, globally distributed team
•  Physically capable of working at the observatory summit sites, located at an elevation of approximately 6,800 ft.

Preferred Qualifications 

•  Passion for astronomy, scientific software and advancing scientific research and discovery through innovative technology
•  Interest in Model-Based Systems Engineering.

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.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.

Why Join Us

At NSF’s NOIRLab, we believe in science for everyone. Our System Engineering division is committed to providing support to Project Management, Engineers, and Scientists to deliver the best possible Observatory. We are using state-of-the-art Model-Based Systems Engineering methods at the frontier of science. You will join a collaborative, mission-driven team that values creativity, innovation and technical excellence. Your work will directly enable scientific breakthroughs and provide critical operational support to astronomers worldwide — and you will help shape how a new generation explores and interacts with the night sky.

Salaries for positions hired in Chile meet Chile national market rates and internal scales for AURA.

How to Apply

Apply by May, Friday 8th for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled.

Please submit a Cover Letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName_DocName.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.