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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Head of Software Engineering - **Company:** National Radio Astronomy Observatory - **Location:** Green Bank, WV, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $135,000.0 - $193,500.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Big Data, Cloud Computing, Computer Engineering, Scientific Computating, Software Construction, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Software Organization, Information Technology, Data Management - **Published:** August 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.jofdav.com/jobs/59070447-head-of-software-engineering ## About the Role * You have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline; highly relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree * At least seven (7) years of progressively more responsible experience in software engineering, including experience leading technical teams, projects, or organizational functions * Demonstrated experience leading software engineering organizations, technical programs, or large-scale development teams * Experience managing budgets, personnel, and organizational priorities in a complex technical environment * Demonstrated success leading technical organizations through growth, modernization, process improvement, or organizational change * Experience with iterative or incremental software development practices and modern delivery approaches * Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills * Proven ability to build collaborative relationships across multiple disciplines and organizational boundaries * Ability to balance strategic planning with operational execution Preferred * Ten (10)+ years of relevant software engineering experience, including leadership of managers, technical leads, or multidisciplinary engineering teams * Experience supporting scientific, research, engineering, or mission-critical operational environments * Familiarity with large-scale software systems, scientific computing, cloud platforms, data-intensive applications, or observatory operations * Experience working with federally funded research organizations or similar mission-driven institutions ## Description The NRAO is seeking an experienced and collaborative Head of Software Engineering (Software Division Head) to lead one of the Observatory's most critical technical organizations. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Data Management & Software (DMS), the Head of Software Engineering provides strategic, operational, and technical leadership for a diverse team of software engineering professionals responsible for developing and supporting software systems that enable scientific discovery, telescope operations, data management, and Observatory-wide services. The Head of Software Engineering oversees the Division's programmatic direction, personnel management, and budget planning while fostering collaboration across scientific, engineering, operations, and information technology organizations. The successful candidate will be a proven leader who can guide organizational and technical evolution, strengthen engineering practices, and build high-performing teams capable of delivering reliable, scalable software systems in support of the Observatory's mission. This position may be located at any NRAO facility (Charlottesville, VA; Socorro or Albuquerque, NM; Green Bank, WV). Hybrid or remote work arrangements may be considered for highly qualified candidates. What You Will Be Doing This is a senior leadership position requiring a combination of strategic vision, organizational leadership, and technical credibility. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Division Leadership & Strategy * Providing overall leadership and strategic direction for the Software Division * Developing and executing division plans that support Observatory priorities, scientific goals, and operational requirements * Ensuring accountability for Division objectives, deliverables, and Program Operating Plan (POP) commitments * Representing the Division in reviews, planning activities, and leadership discussions * Leading organizational initiatives that improve effectiveness, adaptability, and long-term sustainability of software engineering capabilities Program & Resource Management * Managing Division budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation across multiple groups and initiatives * Overseeing software development portfolios and ensuring effective prioritization, planning, and delivery of strategic and operational initiatives * Supporting workforce planning and long-term organizational sustainability * Establishing effective planning and delivery processes that promote transparency, adaptability, and predictable execution Technical Leadership & Engineering Excellence * Providing leadership for cross-division and Observatory-wide software initiatives * Promoting software engineering best practices, technical standards, and quality processes across the organization * Encouraging modern software development practices that improve collaboration, quality, maintainability, and delivery outcomes People Leadership & Organizational Development * Leading, mentoring, and supporting Group Managers and technical leaders * Fostering a culture of trust, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement * Supporting recruitment, performance management, career development, and succession planning * Championing professional development and workforce growth initiatives * Creating an environment that supports learning, innovation, and continuous improvement * Ensuring standardization and equity in the hiring and compensation of software engineers Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement * Building strong partnerships with scientific staff, Observatory operations, engineering organizations, project teams, and institutional leadership * Supporting matrix-managed teams working across projects, telescope operations, and software organizations * Communicating technical and strategic information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences * Providing consultation and support to the Assistant Director for Data Management & Software and other senior leaders on matters relevant to Observatory programs and strategy Governance, Compliance & Operations * Ensuring adherence to institutional policies, federal requirements, cybersecurity expectations, and established procedures * Maintaining effective operational processes and management practices across the Division * Supporting Observatory-wide planning, risk management, and reporting activities * Maintaining alignment with Observatory software lifecycle practices and engineering governance frameworks, * Strategic Leadership: Develops vision and direction while aligning resources to organizational priorities * Engineering Excellence: Promotes sound engineering practices, technical quality, and continuous improvement * Organizational Leadership: Builds resilient, high-performing teams and guides organizational evolution * Collaboration & Influence: Creates strong partnerships across diverse stakeholder communities * Communication: Clearly conveys complex technical and strategic concepts to varied audiences * Execution & Delivery: Translates strategy into results through effective planning, prioritization, and follow-through ## Related Videos - [Green Cloud Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/592-green-cloud-computing) - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [It's all about the Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/425-it-s-all-about-the-data) - [You’re a great coder? 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