Software Engineer ALMA Calibration

to work as a software specialist in our Pipeline Systems group in the Science Operations Software department, based at the ESO Headquarters in Garching.

About the role:

The ALMA Telescope Calibration (TELCAL) is the online calibration software for the ALMA array. It packs together all the operations needed to maintain the ALMA interferometer optimally tuned to successfully execute the observations. The TELCAL software has been developed by the Institut de Radioastronomie Millimetrique (IRAM) in Grenoble and represents one of the main sub-systems of the ALMA software. The suite of tools that compose the TELCAL software is written mostly in C++, but contain a mix of other components written in Python, Fortran and JAVA.

Your main responsibility will be to lead the TELCAL sub-system, for which you are expected to frequently interact with the sub-system Scientists located at the ALMA Observatory in Chile or the ALMA Regional Centres in Europe, North America and Japan. You will be responsible for the maintenance and development of a suite of software tools supporting Science Operations at the ALMA Observatory. In collaboration with the observatory staff and your colleagues in the ALMA Computing Team and the Pipeline Systems group, you will be able to operate independently, meet the agreed deadlines and proactively contribute to on-going process improvements and support.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintain and further develop the existing ALMA operational tools, with an emphasis on supporting the TELCAL software as the TELCAL sub-system lead.
• Interact with the Subsystem Scientists for the specification and validation of the assigned software tools. This task involves the translation of scientific requirements to software requirements and learning to understand and speak the Scientists' 'language'.
• As the TELCAL sub-system lead, you are expected to deliver reports to ALMA Computing Team Leads meetings and ALMA management reviews.
• Collaborate with our partners at the ALMA Observatory in Chile and the ALMA Regional Centres to integrate and deploy the software tools, and monitor how they perform; short (approximately 2 week) missions to Chile or elsewhere are foreseen typically once a year. During the first year, we expect you to have regular trips to Grenoble - France, for the handover of the software.
• Participate in the general development activities in the ALMA Computing and Pipeline Systems group.

Skills & Experience:

• Experience in Millimeter Astronomy and/or Interferometry and knowledge of the data reduction chain is expected. Knowledge of Millimeter telescope calibration would be an asset.
• Experience in programming in C++ and Python as part of large software projects.
• Familiarity and solid experience with modern software engineering practices and tools, including configuration control tools, incremental & iterative development, unit and integration testing and the Linux environment.
• Knowledge or experience in developing HPC applications using MPI and OpenMP are desirable.
• Some experience with Java and Fortran programming can be beneficial as well as understanding of CORBA architecture and DDS (Data Distribution System).
• Experience in working in an international environment.

Key Competences:

• Demonstrated capability of conducting small to medium size software projects throughout the entire software lifecycle up to successful deployment.
• Capability to adjust quickly to changing circumstances and being prepared to work on an already very advanced development.
• Very good oral and written communication skills, to be applied in an international, English-speaking multi-site environment.
• Right balance between maintaining the big picture and a hands-on attitude to get things done.
• Willingness to actively contribute to continuous process improvements.

Qualifications:

University degree in Computer Science, Astronomy, Physics, Engineering, or equivalent.

Language Skills:

A very good command of the English language - oral, reading and writing - is essential.

Reports to:

Within the ESO matrix structure, to the Pipeline Systems Group Head (as line manager) and the Head of the ALMA Integrated Computing Team-Europe (as project manager).

Remuneration and Contract:

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary (income-tax free), comprehensive pension scheme and medical, educational and other social benefits, as well as financial help in relocating your family and the possibility to place your child/children in day-care.

The initial contract is for a period of three years with the possibility of a fixed-term or indefinite extension based on performance and achievements. The title or grade may be subject to change according to qualification and the number of years of experience.

Starting Date:

January 2017

Duty Station:

ESO Headquarters in Garching, near Munich, Germany. This position involves duty travel to the ESO sites in Chile and/or partner institutes in Europe, North America and Japan.

Career Path:

V

Application:

If you are interested in this position and ready to work in a stimulating international environment, please visit http://www.eso.org or http://almaobservatory.org for further details.

Please apply online at http://jobs.eso.org/. Your application must be completed in English and include a motivation letter and CV. In your CV you should provide us with the names and contact details of three persons familiar with your work and willing to provide a recommendation letter on request.

Closing date for applications is 12 June 2016.

No nationality is in principle excluded however, recruitment preference will be given to nationals of Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The post is equally open to suitably qualified female and male applicants.