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 in Python, C++, and Java 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.

Requirements

• Pre and Post background Investigation.
• May be required to serve a one year probationary period.
• Direct deposit/electronic funds transfer required for salary payment.
• Selection may be made at either the grade 09, 11, 12 or 13 level
• This is a career ladder opportunity with promotion potential to grade 13

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, C++, Python &/or Java programming; knowledge and the ability to utilize modern programming practices and standards; 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 knowledge of the Linux operating system, C++, Python &/or Java programming; knowledge and the ability to utilize modern programming practices and standards; knowledge of modern code versioning tools and 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, C++, Python &/or Java programming; knowledge and the ability to utilize modern programming practices and standards; knowledge of modern code versioning tools and continuous integration and testing environments.  Candidates for grade 13 must possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 12 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 expert knowledge of the Linux operating system, C++, & Python programming; expert knowledge and the ability to utilize modern programming practices and standards, proficient knowledge of web enabled technologies and database access.    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 degreeGrade 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. 

Contacts

• Address SMITHSONIAN 60 Garden Street, MS 17 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 United States
• Name: Mary R. Hebert
• Phone: 617-496-7816
• Email: [email protected]