Software Architect

About SKA Observatory

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!

Position

An amazing opportunity for an experienced Software Engineer or Architect with a background in web-based systems for management of complex (ideally scientific) business processes and workflows, and a focus on the development of an integrated user experience across a range of applications, to join an international, multicultural organisation.

The Role

The Software Architect will work with other architects and system engineers to ensure the management and control systems for the two telescopes are fit for purpose, providing the architectural quality needed for a system that will have to last, and be continually developed, for decades.

This role is known internally as Observatory Science Operations Software Architect and will report to the SKAO Lead Software Architect, as part of the Computing and Software group.

The Observatory Science Operations (OSO) software system comprises a suite of tools and services that allow end-users (astronomers) to propose, prepare, manage and track their observations using the SKA telescopes, and aids staff to administer and schedule these observations, sharing the telescope resources to maximise scientific productivity.

At SKAO we support staff in their continuous professional development and this role presents the opportunity to attend relevant international conferences and industry events, as well as the opportunity for national and international travel to the telescope sites and collaboration teams.

This role will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, in 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.

We encourage applications from under-represented groups such as women and individuals with disabilities, as well as open conversations during the recruitment process in relation to any specific requirements.

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

• Be the technical design authority for the OSO software system, ensuring that its design and implementation is continuously meeting SKA requirements and goals
• Interact with stakeholders, especially in the domain of Science Operations, and be able to translate their functional and non-functional requirements into the technical domain, with particular attention to the usability of the OSO system
• Maintain the existing OSO architecture and documentation, and develop it where necessary, adopting an evolutionary approach that follows the agile software development lifecycle
• Work with the SKA Architecture team using processes based on the Scaled Agile Framework to advise and lead software development teams based around the world
• Work within the program team of the SKA Observation Monitoring and Control (OMC) Agile Release Train in coordination with the control system architect and the OMC product managers, also joining appropriate Communities of Practice, such as UX and databases
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the line manager and senior management

Your qualification

• Experience of software engineering applied to the development of intelligent, distributed, web-based business applications, preferably in an agile/iterative environment
• Technical expertise in the development of scientific management systems for large scientific facilities or a comparable system that can be demonstrated to have similar characteristics
• Experience with the formalism for, and requirements of, software architecture standards (e.g. UML, ISO/IEC 42010, SEI Views and Beyond)
• Knowledge or understanding of working based on lean/agile principles
• Ability to bridge between user needs and the architecture and technical solutions, and ability to communicate it in a constructive and effective manner, both orally and in writing, to a wide, diverse audience
• Good oral and written communications skills in English
• Be a flexible team player who is adaptable to change and able to work to deadlines
• Experience in lean/agile principles adopting DevOps and Lean UX practices or be willing to learn them.
• Understanding of database technologies and their place in full-stack development.
• Experience of working in a multicultural environment across international boundaries and time zones.
• Experience of leading or coordinating technical activities for geographically dispersed teams.

Additional details

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.