What is a Software Engineer at Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy?
As a Software Engineer at the Association Of Universities For Research In Astronomy (AURA), you are at the forefront of enabling humanity’s exploration of the universe. AURA operates world-class astronomical observatories—including facilities managed by NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the Space Telescope Science Institute. Your work directly bridges the gap between complex hardware systems, massive streams of scientific data, and the astronomers who rely on these tools to make groundbreaking discoveries.
The impact of this position is profound. You are not just building standard web applications; you are developing High-Level Software (HLS), real-time control systems, and robust data pipelines that interface with highly sensitive, multi-million-dollar optical and mechanical instruments. Whether your code is pointing a massive telescope on Haleakalā in Maui or processing telemetry data in Boulder, your engineering decisions dictate the reliability and success of critical scientific missions.
This role requires a unique blend of traditional software engineering rigor and an appreciation for scientific operations. You will tackle challenges involving incredible scale, strict performance tolerances, and complex hardware-software integration. Expect to work in a highly multidisciplinary environment where your closest collaborators will be optical engineers, mechanical engineers, and research scientists.
