Software Engineering Lead, Common Domain

Salary: $123,000 - 154,000 per year Requirements:

• We require a bachelors degree in computer science, physics, astronomy, or a closely related discipline; an advanced degree is preferred.
• We need at least seven years of software development experience, including three or more years leading a software team of three or more people; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• We require prior experience with data transport and systems communications design and concepts.
• We expect strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• We look for familiarity with technologies such as Java, C, C++, Python, testing frameworks, threading, and parallelization.
• We need the ability to translate scientific needs into software specifications.
• We expect a solid understanding of software architecture and its impact on development.
• We require strong leadership and delegation skills, along with the ability to build productive cross-organizational collaborations.
• We look for the ability to anticipate and mitigate political and technical risks.
• We expect a professional and respectful approach in working with staff and stakeholders.
• We need proven initiative in clarifying requirements, defining QA processes, monitoring plans, setting technical direction, and driving alignment.
• We value the ability to learn new subject areas quickly and apply that learning effectively.
• We require strong troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.
• We look for familiarity with project management concepts and techniques.
• We require demonstrated experience leading software development groups, preferably in astronomy.
• We expect experience managing a distributed development team, including planning and reporting responsibilities.
• We require the ability to balance operational software maintenance, improvement, and enhancement while setting long-term direction.
• We require strong decision-making, consensus-building, and stakeholder management skills.
• Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.

• We provide technical leadership, planning, and management for software products and shared infrastructure supporting radio astronomy data acquisition, movement, processing, and analysis.
• We oversee reusable software capabilities, common services, integration patterns, and infrastructure components used across multiple NRAO systems and projects.
• We guide short- and long-term planning and coordinate development activities to improve interoperability, reliability, maintainability, and operational effectiveness.
• We lead work on shared software models, system integration, messaging, data transport, workflow support, data repositories, service interfaces, deployment approaches, and related infrastructure.
• We support frontline telescope operations and help resolve real-time issues that affect scientific operations across all NRAO sites.
• We strengthen diagnostic and monitoring tools and report on key performance indicators to sustain operational performance.
• We work closely with scientists, software engineers, systems engineers, operations staff, and project stakeholders to align infrastructure with present and future observatory needs.
• We help standardize reusable components, reduce duplication, improve system consistency, and evolve NRAO software over time.
• We manage personnel and technical work for teams responsible for standardized data repositories, system communications, data transport, and 24/7 operational support and integration.
• We report management status and deadline compliance to senior leadership and other stakeholders, including in formal and informal reviews.
• We build a culture of trust, collaboration, accountability, and excellence within the group and with our partners.
• We recruit and onboard talent to broaden the teams technical depth and expertise.
• We support professional development and succession planning for our staff.
• We maintain an effective working environment and oversee staff through direct line management.
• We review timesheets and conduct periodic performance evaluations, coordinating with HR and Business teams when needed.
• We comply with NRAO and government safety policies and procedures in our work area.
• We coordinate and advise on personnel matters, including compliance with applicable policies.
• We mentor staff on planning, technical, and operational topics and orient new employees as needed.
• We interpret, implement, develop, and recommend updates to Observatory rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• We oversee the software lifecycle, including requirements gathering, planning, task assignment, progress tracking, integration, testing, acceptance, and release.
• We manage stakeholder relationships, set priorities, and maintain effective communication.
• We ensure the team delivers high-quality software on schedule and aligned with stakeholder expectations.
• We develop software infrastructure, guide component integration, maintain consistency across implementations, and approve technical direction.
• We collaborate with expert developers and continuously improve working practices where appropriate.

• Support
• Java
• Python

More:

We are the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, recruiting a full-time Software Engineer Group Lead for our Common Domain Software Group. This leadership role can be based in Albuquerque, Socorro, Charlottesville, or Green Bank, and remote work may be considered for well-qualified candidates. The position focuses on shared software infrastructure, operational support, and technical leadership for systems that underpin radio astronomy research and telescope operations. Work is typically carried out in a research and development office environment, and occasional domestic and international travel may be required. We offer a competitive starting salary of $123,000 to $154,000 per year, with pay influenced by education, experience, skills, and market factors. Associated Universities, Inc. provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families, with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment subject to eligibility.

last updated 33 week of 2026