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 lead tasks that design, modify or repair HET software and computer infrastructure, including investigating problem reports and resolving. Define hardware and software requirements and 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, to maintain and improve 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, optics, electronics, and software enables effective problem-solving and troubleshooting at the system level down to the individual part level.

Self-driven individual with keen technical ability, a systematic approach, sound engineering judgment, detail-oriented, excellent theoretical and hands-on problem-solving skills, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and strong team player.

Demonstrated problem-solving ability, including designing experiments and conducting tests to collect and analyze data.

Has excellent technical writing and documentation skills.

Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and the ability to interface with all levels of staff and leadership.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a member in cross-functional teams without day-to-day supervision, and effectively communicate with diverse groups of clients

Must be willing to work with old and new technologies, highly organized, capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks, manage time and concurrent projects and timelines, work under pressure, and supervise with regular and punctual attendance.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field.

Experience working with software supporting astronomy-related research and/or instrumentation.

Experience with or demonstrated ability to work in a 24/7 operations environment.

Experience with or demonstrated ability to work in a heterogeneous computing environment

Experience writing and debugging in Python, C++, C, LabVIEW, MATLAB, Simulink, and shell scripting in Redhat LINUX.

Successful experience supervising a team of software engineers and systems administrators.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

Salary Range

$90,000 + depending on qualifications and experience

Working Conditions

Working at a computer, repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Use of manual dexterity.

Climbing of stairs and ladders.

May include free climbing on/around heavy equipment.

Heavy lifting and moving (must be able to lift 35 lbs.).

Working in potentially hazardous chemicals, cryogenic liquids, and chemical fumes environments.

May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.

May require working extended hours in inclement weather with hazardous equipment or materials.

Use of approved safety equipment is required.

McDonald Observatory is located approximately 6800 feet above sea level. Environmental conditions can be unpredictable, and temperatures can range from -10˚F to +95˚F. Inclement winter weather can be expected, which requires being comfortable driving in wintry conditions on mountain grades.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of work visas.

Working Shift

Generally, M-F, 8 am – 5 pm.  Flexibility is essential, given that we operate 24/7/365.

Ability to travel to the University of Texas at Austin, the Observatory's headquarters, as required for reviews or work forums.

Required to respond to failures outside normal business hours.

Required Materials

Letter of interest

Resume/CV

Three work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, and then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded to the Application Questions section; you can multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left-hand navigation menu, and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be included in your application. The application is one page, and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.