[Clug-work] Software Developer sought

[Simon Fishley]

Hi List

The South African Astronomical Observatory is looking for a software
developer. If you are interested or know of anyone who is interested then
please visit the job page here to apply:
http://nfrintra.careerjunction.co.za/jobs/1558110

The package is a very competitive one so apply because it may well be worth
your while!

Cheers
Simon

The advert:

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER (3 YEAR CONTRACT)

The SAAO is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the
National Research Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in Cape Town,
while its telescopes are at Sutherland in the Northern Cape. Distributed
between the two sites, SAAO employs about 130 people, many of them
scientists and engineers, and is contracted to operate SALT (the Southern
African Large Telescope) on behalf of the international SALT Foundation.
SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African
continent, with global research and outreach collaborations, contributing
to SET human capital development for South Africa.

We invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced
professionals to develop software for SAAO telescopes instrumentation:

Responsibilities:

Design, develop and implement a software framework for SAAO Telescopes and
instrumentation
Develop both graphical interfaces and low-level functionality for current
instruments and those under development.
Using APIs for charge-couped devices (CCDs) and GPS units as well as
integrating filter wheel hardware (driven by PLCs); hardware that is
developed by our electronics department.
The incumbent will be required to understand a broad range of technologies
and be capable of architecting a software framework that will be
implemented Observatory-wide in the coming years of instrumentation
development.
The incumbent would be required to incorporate a number of legacy systems
that are in place into this framework and be able to adapt this older
technology to make it work with the newer framework. This may involve
telescope control software, real-time Linux and older CCD guiding cameras,
amongst other things.
The incumbent would be based in Cape Town, but would be required to spend
time integrating these systems at the Sutherland observing station.

Minimum Requirements:

A degree in computer science, electrical engineering or related field
5 or more years' experience in programming at a high level. A thorough
working knowledge of C; C++ and/or objective C in a Linux environment
Knowledge of a variety of Interprocess communication (IPC) paradigms, GTK
and/or QT3/4, solid documentation skills, OCD, driver porting
Proven ability to formulate a high level strategy for a development
framework
Proven ability to develop UIs

Desirable work experience and personal attributes:

A thorough working knowledge of any of Python, Labview, IRAF
An interest in or understanding of Astronomy
Experience in writing device driver code
Excellent communication skills and be capable of rigorous debate
Should be able to interface with users to gain their perspective and
deliver on their stated goals
Be able to work independently or within a team environment
Self-motivated

The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

SAAO is committed to Employment Equity and Redress.

The ideal candidate will have the following competencies:

Ability

analyse and interpret information
analyse information needs and work out the best way to meet those needs
work in a team
work without supervision
C / C++ and Python
experience in Unix

Experience

analysing system components and defining the system structures and inputs
required
design and development of large software projects
strong software and computing background
globally distributed projects
research and system engineering environments

Knowledge

advanced computer technologies
computer programming principles
mathematical principles
hardware and software technologies

National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human
capital development though funding, the provision of National Research
Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader
community in all fields of science and technology, including natural
science, engineering, social science and humanities.National Research
Foundation

Apply online before 01/10/2013.