Software Manager (Multiple Positions)

The candidate must have a strong background in leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex, high-performance software systems, particularly in the context of space-based or space-related scientific and engineering missions. They will manage a team of software engineers and researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that prioritizes open-source development, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

In this role, the candidate will serve as the systems engineering lead for software, responsible for defining architecture, interfaces, and performance requirements across mission-critical software components. They will also coordinate and oversee contributions from external software vendors and institutional partners, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with rigorous technical and operational standards typical of space missions.

The ideal candidate will bring experience in developing software for space applications-space telescopes, or ground-based software infrastructure-while championing open-source frameworks that benefit the broader scientific and engineering communities. They will mentor graduate students and early-career professionals, guiding their technical growth and encouraging meaningful contributions to open-source ecosystems., * Lead the design, development, and delivery of open-source software systems for space- and ground-based telescope platforms. Collaborate with project stakeholders to align software deliverables with overall system requirements and mission objectives. Coordinate resource allocation and timeline planning to ensure successful delivery of software milestones. Manage project schedules, budgets (approximate $10,000,000), and risk assessment. Direct a cross-disciplinary team to ensure software aligns with hardware, scientific, and operational requirements.

• As the systems engineering lead, drive systems engineering efforts across the full software lifecycle, including requirements definition, interface design, integration, verification, and validation. Oversee real-time control systems, data acquisition pipelines, simulation environments, and data reduction workflows. Identify and mitigate technical and programmatic risks associated with software development and integration. Coordinate and oversee contributions from external software vendors and institutional partners, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with rigorous technical and operational standards.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, interface control documents, and training materials to support long-term system sustainability. Attend project and stakeholder meetings to report on the status, progress, and challenges of software development efforts. Prepare and deliver clear, concise presentations on software package milestones, timelines, and technical updates. Communicate effectively with stakeholders to align expectations, gather feedback, and support decision-making processes.
• Plans and supervise the work of multiple staff members including graduate students, junior staff, software engineers and researchers, and external research teams. Provides guidance and training on work standards and expected outcomes. Accountable for planning and evaluating performance, staff training and development, recruitment, and pay recommendations adhering to policies and budget. Support academic and professional growth for students through technical guidance, code reviews, and collaborative research projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of C++, Python, GitLab, and GitHub.

While familiarity with Adaptive Optics is advantageous, this role emphasizes leadership in software systems design, open-source strategy, and collaborative development in the context of space science and engineering., * Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.

• Minimum of 7 years of related work experience, including 3 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience., * Experience as a supervisor and management of personnel.
• Project Management experience leadership of cross functional teams.
• Experience working with distributed teams.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!