Senior Technical Program Liaison at National Radio Astronomy Observatory – Green Bank, West Virginia

Position Description:

Position Summary

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is an exciting and prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory operates a variety of radio telescopes that span the globe, including the famous Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico, the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. These telescopes are among the most advanced in the world, allowing astronomers to explore the universe in unprecedented detail.

The Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) is an array of 66 radio antenna located high in the Chilean Andes. Its scientific capabilities are, by a large factor, better than any other millimeter wave radio telescope. It was commissioned in 2013 and is, to date, the largest ground-based astronomical project. ALMA is supported by a diverse team of people in 4 continents (North America, South America, Europe and Asia).

We are seeking an experienced technical lead with strong organizational and communications skills to join the NRAO Data Management and Software department. As the Senior Technical Program Liaison for ALMA Software and Computing, you will work with North American (NA) software and computing managers and technical experts as well as ALMA partners in Europe, East Asia, and Chile to strategize, plan, and coordinate activities in support of ALMA technical development projects and operational support. The successful applicant will have an important role in contributing to the planning and leadership for the next generation of significant software upgrades to the ALMA telescope.

This position will be located at one of the NRAO facilities in Charlottesville (VA), Socorro (NM), Albuquerque (NM), or Green Bank (WV). Fully remote work may be possible for a highly qualified candidate.

What You Will be Doing:

You will be the primary liaison between NA ALMA software and computing teams and ALMA partner computing and software managers to coordinate development efforts, ensure operational integrity of the ALMA telescope, and align expectations across technical teams, management, and executives. The successful applicant will need to work with international stakeholders to ensure technical project status, risks, resourcing allocations, and metrics are documented, communicated, and aligned. While this position will not have any direct personnel or project management responsibilities, skills and experience in those areas will be beneficial.

The successful applicant will:

• Act as the primary liaison representing NA software and computing activities to an international ALMA computing management team
• Coordinate with science operational stakeholders to ensure software and computing plans align with requirements
• Represent NA software and computing status and risks in ALMA meetings and international forums
• Collaborate with NRAO and international teams to develop management plans, project schedules, resource allocations, data management plans, and technical risk registers for large scale initiatives
• Coordinate and track operational upgrades and communicate implications
• Participate in multi-country ALMA-wide technical meetings
• Communicate effectively with staff at all ALMA sites

Work Environment

The successful candidate will join a team of professionals engaged in research and development in the fields of science, engineering, software development, computing, and education. Work is typically performed in a research or development environment. Must be able to operate a personal computer. May occasionally work at high altitudes. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Domestic and international travel will be required at a level of two to four one-week trips per year.

Who You Are:

• You have a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Information Systems, Data Management, Data Science or equivalent combination of education and experience required in a closely related field. An advanced degree in a closely related field is preferred.
• You have at least seven years of experience in software or computing infrastructure design and development with at least three years of experience in leading a technical group or projects.
• You are knowledgeable about traditional project management tools and techniques. Experience with Agile frameworks is desirable.
• You have strong interpersonal and group communications skills, oral and written.
• You must be able to participate in international meetings that may take place between 10.00-13.00 UTC and 20.00 to 22.00 UTC.
• You must be able to travel to domestic and international working meetings at a level of approximately two to four one-week trips per year.

• Familiarity with radio astronomy theories and practices is beneficial.
• Experience in personnel management is desirable.

Additional Requirement

Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States.

Total Rewards:

Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well-being and career growth.

Compensation

AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.

Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

For open rank positions, the starting salary/hourly rates for each level is between:

Exempt, Range $110,000-$130,000

Benefits:

AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax-deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply Now” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu. PM20