Controls Software Engineer - SKA-Low Telescope

Acknowledgement of Country

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The opportunity

The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and the laws of fundamental physics. Enabled by cutting-edge technology, it promises to have a major impact on society, in science and beyond.

In Australia, the SKAO is collaborating with CSIRO to operate and support the construction of the low frequency telescope (SKA-Low) in remote Western Australia on Wajarri Yamaji Country.

The Traditional Owners and native title holders, the Wajarri Yamaji, have gifted CSIRO with the traditional name Inyarrimanha Ilgari Bundara for the CSIRO Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, home to the SKA-Low telescope. The traditional name means ‘sharing sky and stars’ in the Wajarri language.

The SKA-Low Controls Software Engineer position will contribute to the development and operations of the control software of the SKA-Low telescope.

In the current construction phase, the position will work with teams around the world to develop the control and monitoring software. The construction project adheres to lean/agile principles, using an SKA-tailored version of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). This position will work within this framework as it evolves from construction to operations. The SKA Telescope monitoring and control systems are primarily written in Python, and are based on the Tango Control System Framework.

Your duties will include:

• Develop control system components in Python, using the Tango Control Systems framework, in accordance with the SKA quality framework and continuous integration processes.

• Build, test, integrate, document and deploy control system components.

• Participate in the activities of the Observation Monitoring and Control Agile Release Train (OMC ART) as a member of an international software team.

• Contribute to the maintenance and operations activities of the telescope and observatory control systems, as part of a local controls software engineering team.

Location:     Perth, Western Australia

Salary:         AU$93,267 - AU$105,517 plus 15.4% superannuation

Tenure:        Indefinite – Full-Time, Part-Time or Job-Share

Reference:  96611

To be considered you will need:

Essential

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or equivalent experience.

• Proficiency in Python software development. (Please note where possible the candidate is encouraged to provide evidence in the form of publicly available code)

• Familiarity with modern development practices, including version control, CI/CD, testing, documentation, and code quality aspects.

• Understanding and willingness to work based on lean/agile principles adopting DevOps practices.

Desirable

• Familiarity with working on GNU/Linux platforms.

• Experience developing code for IoT, real-time, control and/or embedded software systems.

• Experience working in a diverse and collaborative team environment across multiple locations.

• Interest in astronomy and understanding of the challenges of controlling telescopes similar to SKA.

CSIRO is an Equal Opportunity employer working hard to recruit world-class talent that represents the diversity across our society. As part of our commitment to equitable employment outcomes for under-represented groups, preference will be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women and people with a disability who meet the role criteria. 

For Full details about this role, please review the Position Description.

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or you must either hold, or be able to obtain, a valid working visa for the duration of the specified term. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible working arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

CSIRO and the SKA Observatory value and respect difference, and we are committed to building an inclusive culture by creating an environment where you can balance a successful career with your commitments and interests outside of work. We believe that you will do your best at work if you have a work / life balance. We are open to discussing flexible working opportunities with this role being offered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please raise your preference in your application.

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

CSIRO is committed to values-based leadership to inspire performance and unlock the potential of our people.

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to apply

To apply for this role, please apply on-line providing your CV, and a Cover Letter clearly addressing the essential criteria of this role and your motivation for applying. Under CSIRO policy, only those who are able to demonstrate how they can meet the essential criteria may be appointed

Applications close

2 JUNE 2024, 11:59pm AWST