The Role
Develops, tests, and maintains software and real-time control systems for adaptive optics, laser control, telemetry, telescope interfaces, and science instruments. Collaborates with engineers and scientists on system integration, performance analysis, troubleshooting, commissioning, and observing support. Applies predictive control, sensor fusion, and machine learning techniques while developing software in laboratory and summit environments.
Summary Generated by Built In
Turn cutting-edge code into clearer views of the universe as our new Adaptive Optics Software Engineer!
Join W. M. Keck Observatory as an Adaptive Optics Software Engineer and help develop the advanced software and real-time control systems that sharpen our view of the cosmos. You’ll collaborate with engineers and scientists to solve complex challenges, support world-class observing, and advance the technology behind astronomical discovery.
What the Adaptive Optics Software Engineer Does:
The Adaptive Optics Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains the sophisticated software that powers the Observatory’s adaptive optics and related subsystems. These subsystems include the AO real-time control systems, laser control systems, telemetry data systems, and interfaces to the telescope control system and science instruments. Working collaboratively with engineers, scientists, and external partners, the Adaptive Optics Software Engineer integrates new technologies, analyzes system performance, troubleshoots operational challenges, and advances innovative techniques—including predictive control, sensor fusion, and machine learning. From software development in the lab to commissioning and testing at the summit, the Adaptive Optics Software Engineer helps keep Keck’s world-class observing systems reliable, efficient, and performing at their peak.
Join W. M. Keck Observatory as an Adaptive Optics Software Engineer and help develop the advanced software and real-time control systems that sharpen our view of the cosmos. You’ll collaborate with engineers and scientists to solve complex challenges, support world-class observing, and advance the technology behind astronomical discovery.
What the Adaptive Optics Software Engineer Does:
The Adaptive Optics Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains the sophisticated software that powers the Observatory’s adaptive optics and related subsystems. These subsystems include the AO real-time control systems, laser control systems, telemetry data systems, and interfaces to the telescope control system and science instruments. Working collaboratively with engineers, scientists, and external partners, the Adaptive Optics Software Engineer integrates new technologies, analyzes system performance, troubleshoots operational challenges, and advances innovative techniques—including predictive control, sensor fusion, and machine learning. From software development in the lab to commissioning and testing at the summit, the Adaptive Optics Software Engineer helps keep Keck’s world-class observing systems reliable, efficient, and performing at their peak.
Why Choose W. M. Keck Observatory:
- Competitive starting salary
- Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation
- A robust 8% 403(b) employer contribution (with a 4% employee contribution)
- Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai’i Island
- Comprehensive, employer provided health insurance
- We offer relocation support for candidates moving from outside the area
- Be a part of a dedicated team working on the frontiers of astronomy
Required Qualifications:
Education
- Bachelor of Science or equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Applied Mathematics
Experience
- Five (5) years experience in development of software for engineering or scientific applications
- Two (2) years or more of experience in motion control and related hardware
- Five (5) years experience in programming in C or C++, and Python
- Experience developing real-time control applications
- Experience implementing automation controls (such as device control, motion control and sequence control) in a scientific or industrial setting
- Experience with real-time operating systems
- Experience in Unix/Linux and shell scripting
Skills
- Mastery of software engineering principles and practices
- Demonstrated data analysis skills with experience in either Python, IDL, or MATLAB
Technical Competencies
- Microsoft Office Proficiency
- Broad knowledge of modern software engineering practices, especially in software re-use and testability
- High level of competency in C, C++, or Python programming
- Strong competency using O-O paradigm and design patterns in delivering software solutions
- Practical experience of configuration management, build and release management processes
Certificates and Licenses
- Certificates or licenses are not required
About
At the W. M. Keck Observatory, we approach our work with wonder about the mysteries of the universe and with deep respect and care for Maunakea – a mountain revered in Hawaiʻi and unlike any other in the world. For more than three decades, astronomers using Keck Observatory’s twin 10-meter telescopes have vastly expanded our understanding of the cosmos through astonishing findings about our solar system, exoplanets, supermassive black holes, the evolution of the universe, and more. We are dedicated to the values of service and stewardship, while advancing the frontiers of astronomy, sharing our discoveries, and inspiring the imagination of all.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science or equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Applied Mathematics
- Five years of experience developing software for engineering or scientific applications
- Two or more years of experience in motion control and related hardware
- Five years of programming experience in C or C++, and Python
- Experience developing real-time control applications
- Experience implementing automation controls in a scientific or industrial setting
- Experience with real-time operating systems
- Experience with Unix/Linux and shell scripting
- Mastery of software engineering principles and practices
- Demonstrated data analysis skills using Python, IDL, or MATLAB
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Knowledge of modern software engineering practices, including software reuse and testability
- High competency in C, C++, or Python programming
- Competency using object-oriented programming and design patterns
- Experience with configuration management and build and release management processes
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The Company
What We Do
The W. M. Keck Observatory telescopes are among the most scientifically productive on Earth. The two 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes atop Maunakea on the Island of Hawaiʻi feature a suite of advanced instruments including imagers, multi-object spectrographs, high-resolution spectrographs, integral-field spectrometers, and world-leading laser guide star adaptive optics systems. Keck Observatory is a private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation. We wish to recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that the summit of Maunakea has always had within the Native Hawaiian community. We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct observations from this mountain
