Demo

Systems Software Engineer - Mellon College of Science - Physics Department

Carnegie Mellon University and Careers
Pittsburgh, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/17/2026

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.

Core 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.

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.

Qualifications:

  • 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.

Requirements :

  • Successful background check.

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 .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

  • Please visit Why Carnegie Mellon to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.


  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .

  • Statement of Assurance

Salary.com Estimation for Systems Software Engineer - Mellon College of Science - Physics Department in Pittsburgh, PA
$76,865 to $93,635
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Systems Software Engineer - Mellon College of Science - Physics Department?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Systems Software Engineer - Mellon College of Science - Physics Department career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$72,994 - $92,246
Income Estimation: 
$91,370 - $117,201
Income Estimation: 
$84,222 - $112,497
Income Estimation: 
$83,184 - $105,164
Income Estimation: 
$77,657 - $95,021
Income Estimation: 
$97,257 - $120,701
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Carnegie Mellon University and Careers

  • Carnegie Mellon University and Careers Pittsburgh, PA
  • The Office of Enrollment Management at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking a dynamic, student-centered professional to lead the Tartan Ambassador program... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Carnegie Mellon University and Careers Pittsburgh, PA
  • What We Do: The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering and computer secu... more
  • 9 Days Ago

  • Carnegie Mellon University and Careers Pittsburgh, PA
  • Carnegie Mellon University's Police Department (UPD) is searching for Police Officers who are highly motivated and eager to serve the CMU community! This i... more
  • 10 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Systems Software Engineer - Mellon College of Science - Physics Department jobs in the Pittsburgh, PA area that may be a better fit.

  • Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA
  • Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breakin... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Carnegie Mellon University and Careers Pittsburgh, PA
  • Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breakin... more
  • 1 Month Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!