W. M. Keck Observatory

Operates world-class ground-based telescopes for astronomy

Software Engineer 2

Software EngineeringUpdated on Nov 13

Full-timeWaimea, HI, USA

About the Job

Requirements

A Bachelor of Science or equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or another relevant engineering or science field is required.
Three to seven years of experience developing code used for observing tools, data tools, and/or general software development is required.
Practical experience creating software applications with Python is required.
Experience developing software applications with hardware interfaces is required.
Practical experience with change control, build, and release management processes is required.
Experience with Unix/Linux shell scripting is required.
Experience with communication protocols including RS-232, RS-485, RS-422, SPI, and I2C is required.
Broad knowledge of modern software engineering practices, especially re-use and testability, is required.
Good knowledge of database design is required.
Knowledge of TCP/IP networking is required.
Fundamental operating system administration knowledge is required.
Competency in C/C++, Python, and databases is required.
Competency in object-oriented programming paradigms and design patterns is required.

Responsibilities

Develop clean, reliable, scalable software that turns ideas into working features.
Collaborate with engineers across multiple disciplines to develop software features.
Review personal and colleagues’ code constructively.
Use robotics or control systems experience to consider design tradeoffs when updating software systems implemented in EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System).
Use knowledge or experience with motors and electric drives, embedded systems, or design for X (DFx) where applicable.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with user interface development using Java, Qt, React, or other graphical user interface toolkits.

Join us as our newest Software Engineer II and make code that even our telescopes admire!

Are you someone who genuinely enjoys solving problems—even the weird ones that start with “so… this only happens on Tuesdays?” Do you ask good questions, share ideas freely, and collaborate without ego? Do you communicate clearly, write code thoughtfully, and aren’t afraid to admit when you don’t know something? Do you appreciate a workplace where the vibe is friendly, the work is interesting, and humor is very welcome? If so, apply to be our newest Software Engineer II!

What the Software Engineer II Does:

The Software Engineer II spends their days turning ideas into clean, reliable, scalable software—preferably without summoning any new and exciting bugs. They work with friendly humans across multiple engineering disciplines to transform napkin sketches and ambitious brainstorms into real, working features. They review code (theirs and others’) in a way that is constructive, kind, and ideally free of passive-aggressive comments. They have room to stretch into new areas, experiment with tools they’re curious about, and grow their technical and professional chops along the way. They may also use previous robotics or control systems experiences to understand what design tradeoffs that may exist when updating our software systems implemented in EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System). Tapping into any knowledge or previous experiences with motors and electric drives, embedded systems, or DFx would also help out greatly.

In this role the Software Engineer II genuinely enjoys solving problems—even the weird ones that start with “so… this only happens on Tuesdays.” They ask good questions, share ideas freely, and collaborate without ego. On a daily basis they communicate clearly, write code thoughtfully, and aren’t afraid to admit when you don’t know something. They appreciate a workplace where the vibe is friendly, the work is interesting, and humor is very welcome.

Competitive starting salary
Generous benefits package, including 4 weeks of annual paid vacation
A robust 8% 403(b) employer contribution (with a 4% employee contribution)
Tuition assistance for dependent children grades K-12 attending private school on Hawai’i Island
Comprehensive, employer provided health insurance
We offer relocation support for candidates moving from outside the area.
Be a part of a dedicated team working on the frontiers of astronomy.

Education

Bachelor of Science or equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or other relevant engineering or science field

Experience

3-7 years of experience in developing code used for observing tools, data tools, and/or general software development
Practical experience creating software applications with Python
Software applications with hardware interfaces
Practical experience of change control, build and release management processes
Unix/Linux shell scripting
Experience with communication protocols (RS-232/485/422, SPI, I2C)

Skills

Broad knowledge of modern software engineering practices, especially in areas of re-use and testability
Good knowledge of database design
TCP/IP networking
Fundamental operating system administration

Technical Competencies

Competency in C/C++, Python, databases
User interface development with Java, Qt, React, or other GUI toolkits
Competency using O-O paradigm and design patterns

About the Company

W. M. Keck Observatory

Operates world-class ground-based telescopes for astronomy

Operates two 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes on Maunakea with imagers, spectrographs, and laser guide star adaptive optics. Light from space is collected and processed by its instruments to produce images and spectra; the adaptive optics system sharpens images by correcting atmospheric distortion in real time. It stands out as a nonprofit scientific partnership among Caltech, the University of California, and NASA, funded by the W. M. Keck Foundation, with access for a broad astronomy community. Its goal is to enable astronomical discovery by providing premier observing facilities and advanced instruments for research.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: Waimea/Kamuela CDP, United States
Founded: Not listed

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