What are the responsibilities and job description for the HLS Manager position at AURA?
The NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST)—operated by the National Solar Observatory (NSO)—is the world’s largest and most advanced solar telescope. Designed to transform our understanding of the Sun and its magnetic environment, DKIST began operations in November 2021 atop Haleakalā, Maui. The NSO is an NSF national research and development center dedicated to solar science and is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), a consortium of 49 U.S. institutions and 3 international affiliates.
We are seeking an accomplished High‑Level Software (HLS) Manager to lead the development, reliability, and continuous evolution of the mission‑critical software that powers DKIST operations. This role oversees a geographically distributed team of engineers in Maui and Boulder and plays a key leadership role in ensuring the observatory’s software infrastructure meets the scientific demands and long‑term vision of DKIST.
Essential Functions
Leadership & Strategy:
- Lead and mentor the DKIST HLS operations team, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and a positive, inclusive work environment.
- Set technical direction, establish priorities, and drive alignment with DKIST’s scientific mission and operational needs.
- Partner closely with the Instrumentation & HLS Group Manager and the Maui Technical Operations Manager to coordinate development efforts across locations.
Software Development & Operations:
- Oversee the reliability, performance, and adaptability of DKIST’s operational software systems.
- Guide design, implementation, and deployment of new HLS features, system enhancements, user interaction improvements, security practices, and networking capabilities.
- Support summit operations through diagnostics, maintenance, upgrades, and real‑time troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with science, operations, and engineering teams to ensure seamless and functional telescope operations.
- Contribute technical leadership in integrating new instruments or software systems.
Management & Compliance:
- Manage the HLS budget, including staffing, hardware acquisitions, and external contracts.
- Provide coaching, performance feedback, and professional development for team members.
- Ensure compliance with AURA property management policies and government award terms as defined in the Vela Award Management system.
- Remain current with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and modern software frameworks.
Other Functions
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or engineering.
- 15 years experience in software development in a research or scientific environment.
- 5 years each working with:
- Java
- Multi-threaded, distributed systems
- Python, C , and Java (combined experience)
- 5 years experience in solar physics, astronomy, or scientific project software development.
- Experience developing and deploying software on Linux systems.
- Familiarity with modern software frameworks, tools, and best practices.
- Ability to prepare hardware/software cost estimates, budget projections, and purchase requests.
- Strong communication, leadership, writing, and presentation skills.
- Commitment to remaining knowledgeable about current hardware and software technologies.
- Sensitivity to cultural and environmental considerations, especially relevant to Hawai‘i.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with large telescope or instrumentation software systems.
- Experience with Agile development methodologies (e.g., JIRA).
- Certifications in Java, Linux, and/or Networking.
- Experience with equipment control systems, databases, communication middleware, user interfaces, real‑time systems, or motion‑control programming.
Work Environment
This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely utilizes standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and copiers. The work environment is generally quiet and may involve working in close proximity to others, depending on the needs of the specific function
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.
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Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.
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Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.
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May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.
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Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.
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Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.
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Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.
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Some travel may be necessary in or outside the contiguous United States including travel to the various observatory sites (Arizona, Chile and Hawai`i).
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Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet)
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.
Salary Range: $174,000 - $216,000 annually. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.
AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources
Apply by April 20, 2016, for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.
Salary : $174,000 - $216,000