Science Operations Software Development Professionals

The Role

As part of the construction of the SKA telescopes, the software team undertakes the development of the Observatory Science Operations software tools used to manage the SKA observations’ lifecycle.

This recruitment aims to hire two positions in this area, with different roles and responsibilities: 

• A Science Operations Software Architect to act as a technical coordinator for the development of this system, as part of the SKA software

• A Science Operations Software Engineer to contribute to the development of this system and become a technical leader in this area

Please specify in your cover letter which position you wish to be considered for.

The Software Architect will report to the SKAO Lead Software Architect whereas the Software Engineer will report directly to the OSO Software Architect.

The Observatory Science Operations (OSO) software system comprises a suite of web based tools and services that allow end-users (both the astronomical community and observatory staff) to propose, prepare, manage and track observations, sharing the telescope resources to maximise scientific productivity. 

These roles can appeal to someone with hands-on experience in astronomical observatories or similar large scientific infrastructures, or someone with a background in development of web based systems. 

These roles will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, in Cheshire, UK, and occasional international travel may be required (typically for one week, up to 4 times per year). 

In your role, we will support your continuous professional development. Working at SKAO also presents many chances to join international events, conferences and industry events that relate to your role and your professional interests.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

There will be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities

The main duties for the Software Engineer role will be to: 

• Work within the software development teams in the SKA Observation Monitoring and Control Agile Release Train to deliver the SKA Observatory Science Operations (OSO) system.

• Act as a technical expert in the development of the SKA OSO software system, by providing guidance and best practices in the development of complex user-facing web based software products.

• Actively participate in the software development activity by writing and reviewing code in critical areas of the project, working with international agile teams as needed for a given number of increments.

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the OSO Software Architect and senior management.

The Software Architect will: 

• Be the technical design authority for the OSO software system, ensuring that its design and implementation is continuously meeting SKA requirements and goals, and maintaining up to date technical documentation.

• Interact with stakeholders, especially in the domain of Science Operations, and be able translate their functional and non-functional requirements into the technical domain, with particular attention to the usability of the OSO system and the timelines for OSO delivery.

• Be in a leadership role, working with the SKA Software Architecture and the OMC program team, to manage and lead software development teams based around the world

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the line manager and senior management.