Systems Software Engineer - Mellon College of Science - Physics Department

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

1d

About The Position

The next generation of astronomical surveys, including those scheduled to be conducted by the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the recently announced Schmidt Observatories, will provide unprecedented data sets with the potential to answer fundamental questions about the universe. At the same time, the flood of data will introduce new computational challenges. We are looking for full-stack Software Engineers to work at the intersection of state of the art computer science and cutting edge astrophysics. The engineers will design and build analysis frameworks that run on the cloud or high-performance computing (HPC) systems that can store, search, analyze and annotate data of the volume and complexity of the Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) data. These frameworks will provide an interface for the astronomical community to run real time and batch analyses (e.g. to search for one-in-a-million events in continuous streams of data). You will shape, drive, and execute this vision to build scalable software that can help shape the future of astronomical research. As a Systems Software Engineer you will work with full-stack engineering teams at the University of Washington and Carnegie Mellon University. You will develop new cloud-based and HPC software platforms that will use cutting edge computer science techniques to enable the analysis of time series and static data from the next generation of surveys. You will work with astronomers and scientists to integrate their analysis code into these scalable analysis frameworks utilizing tools such as Spark and Dask. Development will incorporate software best practices such as peer code review, to produce secure, testable, maintainable, and extensible code. You will participate in the hiring process and mentor others - improving their skills, their knowledge of your software, and their ability to get things done. Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree, computer science or related field.
• 1-3 years of programming experience in an industrial or academic role.
• Experience programming Python.
• Experience with software design and engineering best practices such as source control and code reviews.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
• Successful background check.

Responsibilities

• Develop new software frameworks that will use cutting edge computer science techniques to enable the analysis of time series and static data from LSST and the Schmidt Observatories.
• Work with astronomers and scientists to integrate their analysis code into these scalable analysis frameworks.
• Participate in the hiring process and mentor others - improving their skills, their knowledge of your software, and their ability to get things done.
• Function within cross-domain teams, learn new skills and technologies as necessary, and solve meaningful problems through technical innovation.
• Utilize software best practices such as peer code review, to produce secure, testable, maintainable, and extensible code.
• Perform analysis and troubleshooting for software issues and process challenges.
• Contribute as part of a team to discussions aimed at advancing the team’s goals.

Benefits

• Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
• Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
• For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level