Software Engineering Manager, Hobby-Eberly Telescope, McDonald Observatory

Job Posting Title:

Software Engineering Manager, Hobby-Eberly Telescope, McDonald Observatory

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Hiring Department:

McDonald Observatory

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

MCDONALD OBSERVATORY

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Job Details:

General Notes

This position is for a software engineering manager for the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) at the McDonald Observatory. The HET is one of the world’s largest telescopes, operates on a 24/7 schedule, and is 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles from the UT Austin campus). This position, on occasion, is expected to respond to problems and business needs relating to the telescope outside of normal work hours (nights, weekends, and holidays). Residence in the Observatory's residential community may be available and required. The position may be subject to “call-back” as an essential emergency or critical response employee. Must be eligible to work in the US full-time for any employer without sponsorship. This position manages the day-to-day activities and longer-term projects for the HET software team.  

The University of Texas at Austin provides an outstanding benefits package to staff, including:

• Competitive health benefits (Employee premiums covered at 100%; family premiums at 50%)

• Vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Teachers Retirement System of Texas (a defined benefit retirement plan)

• Additional voluntary retirement programs: tax-sheltered annuity 403(b) and a deferred compensation program 457(b)

• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses

For more details, please see https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits and https://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/my-total-rewards.

Purpose

This position performs the essential duties of the Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) Systems Analyst and leads the computer group, which consists of three staff members in West Texas and one staff member in Austin.

Responsibilities

• Software and Computer Infrastructure. As the computer/software group lead, conduct and/or lead tasks that design, modify or repair HET software and/or computer infrastructure, including problem report investigation and resolution. Define hardware and software requirements, set expectations for software development and maintenance standards, documentation, version control and contingency planning (knowledge retention).

• Collaboration. Works closely with the HET Science Operations team, management, and observatory colleagues to monitor, maintain, and improve the HET computer infrastructure and software, which also maintains and improves the HET's scientific output.

• Supervision. Manages and supervises the HET Computing/Software Group, assigns and monitors short-term and long-term tasks, hires, trains, mentors, and counsels the staff, and provides daily reporting on the software group's activities and progress. Maintains time sheet records and reviews and approves the time sheets for the computer/software staff in an accurate and timely manner.

• Documentation. Maintains clear and accurate records and logs that document HET system performance. Periodically publishes internal technical reports that document this performance.

• Planning. Provides long-term planning and technical direction for HET computer hardware and software tasks and personnel. Manages HET problem reporting system and problem report assignments.

• Service. Responds as necessary to nighttime repair and maintenance calls from the telescope operations staff. Performs other related duties as assigned to meet operational needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree. Eight years of experience in and demonstrated proficiency in software development and support using multiple software languages including Python, C++, and C, in a Redhat LINUX environment. 

• Experience using or designing specialized research equipment as required in the work environment.

• Understanding system-level interactions between mechanics, opti