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Job Title:
Science Software Developer (IT Specialist), IS-2210, Grades 9-12; $65,207 - $121,128 per year
Type of Position:
Trust Fund (non-federal) Indefinite - 2 Vacancies
Division/Department:
Facility:
Job Location:
Cambridge, MA
Posting Opening Date:
Posting Closing Date:

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all qualified candidates. First consideration may be made 14 days after the opening date. This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 13. Selection for this position to be made at the grade 09, 11, or 12 level. Candidates may be non competitively promoted to the next grade level , up to grade 13, upon the recommendation of the supervisor based on classification requirements, satisfactory performance and qualifications of the employee.

Summary: 

The Information Technology Specialist (Science Software Developer)  is responsible for extending and maintaining the data reduction and analysis software for the Chandra X-ray Observatory.  This includes supporting software development, and working to design, develop and implement astronomical software in support of the Chandra mission.  

Duties: 

Join the Chandra X-ray Center and become part of the team working to support and maintain the science tools and user interfaces of the Data system software development group. The individual will work with the existing software development team to extend system capabilities in response to operational and scientific requests, design and implement new algorithms and/or user interfaces in collaboration with scientists, maintain existing tools through system upgrades and migrations, and support the software system through all phases of the software development cycle.

Specific Duties include:

  • Communication with scientists for software requirements and testing 
  • Developing and maintaining software through all phases of the software development lifecycle
  • Documenting software for CXC operations staff and scientific users worldwide
  • Problem analysis and evaluation in support of science operations and user input
  • Work as part of a team 

Qualifications:

For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.
1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.

AND

Candidates for grade 09 must possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 07 in the normal line of progressions for this occupation.  Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as knowledge of the Linux operating system, Python and C++ programming, and exposure to UI/UX; exposure to modern code versioning tools and continuous integration and testing environments.


Candidates for grade 11 must possess a minimum of one year of specialized  experience equivalent to at least the grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as proficientknowledge of the Linux operating system, Python, and C++ programming, and exposure to UI/UX; knowledge of code versioning tools and repositories; knowledge of continuous integration and testing environments.

Candidates for grade 12 must possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position such as proficient knowledge of the Linux operating system, Python and C++  C++ programming, and familiarity to UI/UX; proficient knowledge of
code versioning tools and repositories; knowledge of continuous integration and testing environments.

   OR

Education:

All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. Undergraduate or Graduate Education: Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management or degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the fields identified above and required the development or adaptation of applications, systems or networks.

Grade 09: master's degree or equivalent graduate degree 

or  2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree

Grade 11: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or

3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. 

Qualification requirements are derived from the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1300/1330.htm. 

For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: We will only accept applications online for this position. To view the complete vacancy posting, requirements and the procedures to apply, please visit USAJOBS

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in our workplace.

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