National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Software Project Manager
National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, 22904
Posted Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM | Expires Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 6:59 AM
Position Description The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory is an exciting and dynamic organization that is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. Whether you are a scientist, student, or simply someone who is fascinated by the cosmos, the NRAO offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, explore, and discover.
Position Summary We are seeking an experienced software project manager to work with a talented team creating a new radio astronomy data processing pipeline. You will have the opportunity to combine your extensive project management experience in complex software development with your passion to contribute to the future of radio astronomy.
The software project manager will be based in Charlottesville, Virginia, at the NRAO headquarters located on the grounds of the University of Virginia, and a telework arrangement may be available for a well-qualified candidate.
You Will
Successfully lead all project management tasks for the ALMA WSU project under the RADPS program
Expertly optimize resources among assigned projects, determine scheduling priorities, and otherwise coordinate project components for best overall outcome
Provide written periodic progress reports to the Observatory including KPIs, milestones, and other progress metrics
Provide periodic budget reports and forecasts
Lead project teams through successful gate reviews
Effectively coordinate with all levels of the international project teams and stakeholders
The successful candidate will join a team of professionals engaged in research and development in the fields of science, engineering, software development, and education. Occasional domestic and international travel to other NRAO sites will be required.
Who You Are
You have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering, computational, or scientific field. Ten or more years of work experience directly related to this project (scientific data programming, project management in a scientific or research engineering field, etc.) may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.
You have three or more years of experience as a project manager actively leading scientific software development projects, preferably those related to astronomical or other physical science data.
You have demonstrated experience with core program management responsibilities: risk management, scheduling, process engineering, testing, quality and product assurance principles and applications, reporting, acquisition, budgeting.
You have demonstrated experience managing both waterfall and agile software development processes.
Competency Summary
Strong interpersonal, teaming, and leadership skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Problem‑solving skills
Proactive work ethic and ability to work both with a team and independently
Ability to work effectively with and build consensus among stakeholders
Additional Requirement Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H‑1B visas for this position.
Total Rewards Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well‑being and career growth.
Compensation AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.
Factors which may affect starting pay and level may include: education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.
AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax‑deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.
Application Instructions Select the “Apply Now” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu.
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Position Description The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a prestigious research facility that plays a vital role in the study of the universe. The Observatory is an exciting and dynamic organization that is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. Whether you are a scientist, student, or simply someone who is fascinated by the cosmos, the NRAO offers a wealth of opportunities to learn, explore, and discover.
Position Summary We are seeking an experienced software project manager to work with a talented team creating a new radio astronomy data processing pipeline. You will have the opportunity to combine your extensive project management experience in complex software development with your passion to contribute to the future of radio astronomy.
The software project manager will be based in Charlottesville, Virginia, at the NRAO headquarters located on the grounds of the University of Virginia, and a telework arrangement may be available for a well-qualified candidate.
You Will
Successfully lead all project management tasks for the ALMA WSU project under the RADPS program
Expertly optimize resources among assigned projects, determine scheduling priorities, and otherwise coordinate project components for best overall outcome
Provide written periodic progress reports to the Observatory including KPIs, milestones, and other progress metrics
Provide periodic budget reports and forecasts
Lead project teams through successful gate reviews
Effectively coordinate with all levels of the international project teams and stakeholders
The successful candidate will join a team of professionals engaged in research and development in the fields of science, engineering, software development, and education. Occasional domestic and international travel to other NRAO sites will be required.
Who You Are
You have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering, computational, or scientific field. Ten or more years of work experience directly related to this project (scientific data programming, project management in a scientific or research engineering field, etc.) may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.
You have three or more years of experience as a project manager actively leading scientific software development projects, preferably those related to astronomical or other physical science data.
You have demonstrated experience with core program management responsibilities: risk management, scheduling, process engineering, testing, quality and product assurance principles and applications, reporting, acquisition, budgeting.
You have demonstrated experience managing both waterfall and agile software development processes.
Competency Summary
Strong interpersonal, teaming, and leadership skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Problem‑solving skills
Proactive work ethic and ability to work both with a team and independently
Ability to work effectively with and build consensus among stakeholders
Additional Requirement Observatory employees must be authorized to work in the United States. The Observatory presently cannot sponsor H‑1B visas for this position.
Total Rewards Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI) offers a comprehensive total rewards package for this position, subject to eligibility requirements. We are committed to serving our employees and their families with an extensive and competitive compensation and benefits package that supports our employees’ overall well‑being and career growth.
Compensation AUI strives to attract and retain dedicated, highly qualified, competent, and motivated employees by offering competitive compensation and recognition for performance.
Factors which may affect starting pay and level may include: education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.
AUI’s benefits package addresses the needs of employees and their families with most benefits beginning on the first day of employment. AUI provides excellent paid time off (13 holidays, annual accrual of up to 24 vacation days and 15 sick days, additional time off for doctor/dentist visits, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave). Medical, dental and vision plans are effective on the first day of employment. AUI’s retirement benefit contributes an amount equal to 10 percent of a qualified participant’s base pay with no required employee contribution; we also offer an optional supplemental, tax‑deferred plan for employee retirement contributions.
Application Instructions Select the “Apply Now” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu.
#J-18808-Ljbffr