At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.
More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.
Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.
Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!
The front-end engineer plays a critical role in advancing the development of software systems used across the globe for interacting with the SKA telescopes. These include, but are not limited to, the Observatory Science Operations (OSO) suite of tools that are used by scientists and telescope operators to submit proposals to the SKA telescopes and follow their lifecycle up to their execution.
The Role
As a Software Engineer you will be working with other developers at SKA development sites around the world (especially SKAO and SKA precursors). You will be reporting to the SKA Observatory Science Operation (OSO) Architect and you will be working as part of a SCRUM team in our SAFe software development organisation.
In your role you will be able to grow as a software engineer within our organisation. We will support the development of your skills with training in the most relevant scientific and technical aspects of your role, and you will have the opportunity to work closely with more experienced software engineers. Working at SKAO also presents many chances to join conferences and industry events that relate to your role and your professional interests.
This role is internally known as Science Operations Software Engineer.
This role will be based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.
SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.
There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
The main duties for the role will be to:
- Work within the software development teams in the SKA Observation Management and Control Agile Release Train to develop the SKA OSO system.
- Act as a technical expert in the development of the SKA OSO software system, by providing guidance and best practices in the development of complex user-facing web-based software products.
- Actively participate in the software development activity by writing and reviewing code in critical areas of the project, working with international agile teams (e.g. Europe, India, South Africa, Australia) as needed during construction and thereafter in operations.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the OSO Software Architect and senior management.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
The appointee will demonstrate experience in the development of web-based systems for applications and process management, ideally for observatories or similar science facilities. The software engineer will be providing:
- Experience in the development of sophisticated web-based front-end software systems, preferably in an agile/iterative environment involving continuous integration practices for software lifecycle management.
- Experience working with stakeholders on the design of user interfaces.
- Expertise in Javascript/Typescript software development, using frameworks such as React, along with HTML/CSS skills. The candidate is encouraged to provide evidence in the form of publicly available code if and where possible.
- The ability to work in a team and being a flexible team player who is adaptable to change and able to work to deadlines.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate would also:
- Have experience in lean/agile principles adopting Lean UX practices or be willing to learn them.
- Have a background in observation planning and execution, preferably with a radio telescope facility or experience of working for an astronomical observatory.
- Have some experience in back-end software development, preferably using python, and an understanding of database technologies and their place in full-stack development.
- Have experience with kubernetes or similar orchestration systems.
- Have past experience of working in a multicultural environment across international boundaries and time zones.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.
Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.
Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.
Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.
SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.
The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.
