Senior Systems Engineer and Software Architect

About the role

The Senior Software Systems Architect will support the development of the NOIRLab Program Platform (NPP), a cross-program platform supporting end-to-end scientific workflows across Gemini, Rubin, GMT, and CSDC.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the NPP software architecture and integration strategy.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop use cases, requirements, and Concept of Operations (ConOps).
• Establish and maintain requirements traceability from stakeholder needs through implementation and verification.
• Define APIs, interface specifications, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
• Support integration of existing NOIRLab systems, commercial products, and open-source solutions.
• Develop verification and validation frameworks, including acceptance criteria and verification methods.
• Contribute to system integration planning, test strategy, and quality planning activities.
• Support prototyping and testbed efforts using Gemini and Rubin as pathfinder programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of experience in software architecture, systems engineering, platform engineering, or a related technical leadership role.
• Experience designing and evolving large-scale distributed software systems.
• Strong software development background in Python, Java, C++, or similar object-oriented languages.
• Experience with requirements analysis, requirements traceability, and interface definition.
• Experience developing or evaluating verification and validation approaches for complex software systems.
• Experience with API and service design using REST, GraphQL, or similar technologies.
• Knowledge of distributed, containerized, service-oriented, event-driven, and workflow-based architectures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across distributed teams and multiple stakeholder groups.

Preferred Experience

• In scientific computing, observatory operations, aerospace, research institutions, national laboratories, or similar complex technical environments.
• Experience supporting end-to-end platforms or systems-of-systems architectures.
• Experience developing ICDs, architecture baselines, verification matrices, or ConOps documentation.
• Experience integrating legacy systems and third-party solutions into modern platforms.
• Familiarity with CI/CD, release management, software lifecycle governance, and Agile delivery practices.
• Experience with Kubernetes and container orchestration technologies.
• Experience supporting prototypes, pilot deployments, or operational testbeds.
• Experience using AI-assisted software development tools and practices.

Benefits

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources.

Pay

Salary Range: $128,442 – $174,000 per year. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, experience, and job location.

Schedule

The position will remain open until it is filled.