Real Time Controls Software Engineer

University of Arizona

life insurance, vision insurance, sick time

United States, Arizona, Tucson

Sep 18, 2024

Real Time Controls Software Engineer
Posting Number	req20594
Department	Large Binocular Telescope Obs
Department Website Link	www.lbto.org
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 a sophisticated 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! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
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
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates	LBTO Software Scientist Manager, Matthieu Bec, mbec@lbto.org
Open Date	9/18/2024
Open Until Filled	Yes
Documents Needed to Apply	Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
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.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report	In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.