Real Time Controls Software Engineer
Posting Number: req20594
Department: Large Binocular Telescope Obs
Location: Main Campus
Address: 933 N Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA
Position Highlights
The Large Binocular Telescope Observatory (LBTO) is among the most powerful optical/infrared telescopes in the world, with two 8.4m-diameter mirrors on a single mount, located on the summit of Mount Graham near Safford, Arizona. The Observatory features asophisticated suite of instruments for optical and infrared imaging and spectroscopy, supported by innovative adaptive optics technologies. The LBT is driving discoveries for cosmic sources ranging from exoplanets around nearby stars, to some of the most distant galaxies in the universe. The observatory is operated by an international consortium of leading research institutions and functions administratively as part of the University of Arizona, with offices in Tucson.
The LBTO seeks a Real-Time Controls Software Engineer to join the team responsible for supporting telescope infrastructure and operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for the sub-systems controlling the telescope enclosure, telescope mount, instrument rotators
located at multiple focal stations, and active control of the two 8.4m-diameter primary mirrors. As a member of the Software and IT group, the successful candidate will work in close collaboration with a team of scientists and engineers to support, trouble-shoot, and maintain
those systems and provide creative solutions for enhancing their performance and robustness.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
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Duties & Responsibilities
- Responsible for the Telescope Control sub-systems software packages for the Enclosure, Mount, Rotators, and Primary Mirrors. These
include interfaces with low level DSP, PLC, fieldbus, micro-controller devices and
motion controllers, as well as Graphical User Interfaces, and their interfaces with the
telemetry and alarms observatory services. - Monitor sub-systems health, faults, and performance. Diagnose and address operational issues, working with a team of engineers
and mountain staff. Provide tools and solutions for their uninterrupted operation during
science execution. - Identify opportunities for improvement, contribute new designs and developments to leverage new technology and improve
reliability. Prepare technical reports, and present training and informational briefings for Observatory technical staff.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Hands-on ability with real-time applications, digital signal processing, interfaces with PLC, fieldbus, motion controllers for high precision electro-mechanical devices.
- Ability to rapidly grasp existing complex distributed systems.
- Demonstrated trouble-shooting ability, and flexibility to support facility operation outside regular hours.
- Ability to identify and propose enhancements.
- Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams and projects.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Physical/Environmental Requirements:
- This position is based at the LBTO offices in Tucson and requires occasional travel and work at the observatory site,
located at an elevation of 10,500 feet on Mt Graham.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline, or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience required.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Experience with VxWorks, VME (PowerPC), DSP (Bittware), PLC interfaces, micro-controllers (PIC, 8051), Linux, GUI (Qt), git.
FLSA: Exempt
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40
Job FTE: 1.0
Work Calendar: Fiscal
Job Category: Research
Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay: $99,901 - $129,871
Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
12
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Grade Range Minimum
$99901
Grade Range Midpoint
$129871
Grade Range Maximum
$159847
Career Stream and Level
PC3
Job Family
Research Engineering
Job Function
Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies: 1
Contact Information for Candidates
LBTO Software Scientist Manager, Matthieu Bec, mbec@lbto.org
Open Until Filled: Yes
Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter
Diversity Statement
At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
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