R&D Software Engineer II, Steward Observatory Posting Number req27143
Department Steward Observatory
Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu
Location Tucson Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites you to apply for the role of R&D Software Engineer II. In this role, you will develop, maintain, and integrate software systems that support the fabrication and metrology of large-scale astronomical telescope mirrors. Working collaboratively with scientists, engineers, technicians, and other software developers, you will apply software engineering principles to develop multidisciplinary solutions for new and existing mirror fabrication and testing projects.
You will support the full software lifecycle, including requirements definition, software design and development, integration, testing, troubleshooting, documentation, implementation, and ongoing maintenance. Software systems may span real-time equipment control, data acquisition, data processing and analysis, graphical user interfaces, and web-based applications.
Occasional travel to vendor, customer, or remote observatory sites may be required.
This position supports a federal contract which requires that the selected candidate be a U.S. citizen (non-U.S. citizens or dual citizens cannot be considered for this position).Duties & Responsibilities Software Development & Integration:- Develop, maintain, modify, and integrate software applications used in the fabrication of large astronomical telescope mirrors, including systems supporting casting furnaces, grinding equipment, polishing equipment, and related fabrication processes.
- Develop and maintain software ranging from low-level and real-time equipment control to data acquisition, data processing, analysis, graphical user interfaces, and web-based applications.
- Develop, maintain, and enhance software supporting optical metrology systems involving interferometry, deflectometry, laser tracking, scanning pentaprism testing, and other specialized measurement systems used to evaluate and characterize telescope mirrors.
- Design and develop software solutions for new research and development projects by evaluating requirements, defining technical approaches, developing applications, and integrating software with specialized scientific and engineering systems.
Cross-Functional EngineeringCollaboration:- Collaborate with optical, mechanical, electrical, and other software engineers to develop multidisciplinary software solutions and integrate software with laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and fabrication systems.
System Enhancement, Testing &Troubleshooting:- Analyze existing software and systems to identify performance, reliability, usability, and functionality improvements, and implement appropriate enhancements.
- Develop and execute unit tests, integration tests, and other software testing activities to verify functionality, reliability, and interoperability of software and hardware systems.
- Troubleshoot software, equipment interfaces, data acquisition systems, and related technical issues; identify root causes and implement corrective solutions.
Data Processing & Analysis:- Process, analyze, and manage data generated by fabrication and metrology systems to support research, engineering, testing, and manufacturing activities.
Documentation & Technical Review:- Develop and maintain technical documentation, software documentation, user instructions, and other project documentation necessary to support system operation and maintenance.
- Review software and technical documentation developed by others and provide recommendations related to functionality, maintainability, testing, and integration.
Systems Support& Infrastructure:- Support the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computers, software environments, and network-connected systems used to operate and support specialized research and fabrication equipment.
ProjectParticipation & User Support:- Participate in project planning, technical discussions, design reviews, and implementation activities for new and existing research and development projects.
- Train scientists, engineers, technicians, and other users in the operation of software applications, equipment interfaces, and related systems.
Knowledge,Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):- Ability to self-motivate and work independently.
- Ability to work in a cross-functional team.
- Safety-focused, with the ability to produce software that provides safe, reliable, and correct operation.
- Proficiency in developing software using C/C++, Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages.
- Proficiency with Linux and Windows operating systems.
- Ability to develop, configure, or interface software with microcontrollers and embedded hardware platforms, including Delta Tau PMAC, Raspberry Pi, and Teensy/Arduino systems.
PhysicalRequirements and Environmental Demands:- Noise levels may be sufficient to require shouting in order to be heard above surrounding noise.
- Work safely around moving machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, and energized systems.
- Perform work from ladders, scaffolding, elevated platforms, and other high locations as required.
- Safely handle and work around chemicals, oils, lubricants, and cutting fluids.
- Follow established safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
- Safely work in environments with exposure to dust, fumes, odors, chemicals, and other atmospheric conditions associated with fabrication and testing operations.
- Safely perform work in confined or restricted-access spaces as required to support equipment, instrumentation, and facility systems.
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, or an equivalent four-year degree.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- This position supports a federal contract which requires that the selected candidate be a U.S. citizen (non-U.S. citizens or dual citizens cannot be considered for this position).
Preferred Qualifications - Experience with C/C++, Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages.
- Experience with Linux and Windows operating systems.
- Experience with microcontrollers similar to Delta Tau PMAC, Raspberry Pi, and Teensy/Arduino hardware.
FLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $86,870 - $112,932
Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade 11
Compensation Guidance The
Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The
Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level PC2
Job Family Research Engineering
Job Function Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date 1/4/2027
Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Adrian Loeff
Software Engineer/Programmer
[email protected]Open Date 9/24/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant 
