Data Operations Software Developer

SKA Observatory

Cheshire, United Kingdom

This is an ideal role for a software or data engineer with a familiarity of scientific research settings who is keen to contribute to the development of the global network of data centres that will allow scientists to make scientific discoveries from the vast data products generated by the SKAO telescopes.

The Role

The SKAO Data Operations group is looking to employ a talented and driven software engineer to join our small, friendly team based in the SKAO Global Headquarters located at Jodrell Bank in the UK. With the SKA now in construction, the development of the global network of data centres - the SKA Regional Centre Network (SRCNet) - to support the operations of the SKA has entered an exciting phase.

SRCNet is crucial to the success of the SKA project; since the observatory’s output data products will be too large for astronomers to download and process locally, scientists will rely on the SRCNet to make new scientific discoveries. In addition to efficiently storing and managing the Exabyte-scale archive of data products globally, the SRCNet will provide services for astronomers to discover, visualise and process the SKA telescope data products, promoting the principles of open science and reproducibility of results.

In order to support our delivery of the SRCNet, we are looking for someone with experience in delivering production-quality software with a particular focus on deployment and operational aspects as required for running services in a cloud ecosystem. This includes a good understanding of programming languages and frameworks commonly used in web service development, as well as the containerisation and orchestration technologies that help operators manage, maintain and further develop these services. Complementing these, a background in scientific research is desirable, but not required.

Due to the global nature of the SRCNet development effort, with multiple stakeholders and developers distributed globally, the successful candidate will possess strong organisational and communication skills, with a drive to collaborate with partner organisations and people to excel in this role. This will include occasional travel nationally and internationally, approximately up to 4 times a year.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

Effectively work within the Agile software development team based at SKAO HQ, and with the developers in other teams across the SRCNet project
Contribute to the design, development, deployment and maintenance of software to run in, or support interoperation between, the SRCNet data centres
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve operational issues, ensuring high availability and performance of our systems
Communicate work outcomes and demonstrate software functionality regularly
Create and maintain documentation related to infrastructure, processes, and workflows

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Demonstrable experience working in a professional software engineering capacity
Postgraduate qualification in Astronomy, Physics, Computer Science or a closely related and relevant field or equivalent experience
Proficiency in object-oriented programming (e.g. Python), with a proven commitment to software quality, including version control best practices and testing
Experience with Kubernetes and containerisation technologies (e.g. Docker, Singularity)
Ability to resolve multifaceted and complex problems, develop coherent solutions
Ability to manage workloads and targets in a dynamic and collaborative environment
Ability to build effective working relationships with engineers and scientists from a variety of cultures, to communicate ideas well and to foster a collaborative ethos
Experience with, or a proven commitment to, Agile practices, including the importance of end-user focus and a pragmatic approach to decision making