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Software Engineer, Adaptive Optics Instrument (Steward Observatory) (Multiple Positions)

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ · Posted November 6, 2026

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About the job

Implement spacecraft and observatory interfaces to enable high-speed communications between multiple pieces of the AO hardware system including: writing protocol libraries, controls interfaces, and test protocol libraries. This includes serial, network, and any other form of hardware communication. Develop applications for space- and ground-based control systems, including telemetry management, data visualizations and dashboards, and scripting engines. Develop embedded software for the control of various hardware components of the AO instrument systems including high-speed sensors, heaters, fast steering mirrors, etc. This includes ensuring that the hardware integrates into overall control logic of scientific operations. Contribute to architecture decisions for automated network management and support for missions with distributed computing architecture. Developed software must be robust enough to be deployed in remote mountain sites and space based missions. Develop framework to ensure consistency across project requirements, budgets and simulation configurations while producing automated system engineering metrics for tracking and reporting. Oversee new features for a mature, instrument codebase through the entire software development lifecycle. Communicate clearly with various scientists, mission operators, engineers, students, and other colleagues and stakeholders.