Software Engineer II – C++ Developer

Support NASA missions! The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science and flight operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Learn more about our missions.

STScI is seeking a Software Engineer II – C++ Application Developer with 5-8 years of experience developing complex, object-oriented applications, to join the Short-Term Scheduling Team.

This position can support hybrid work. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV). U.S. citizen or permanent resident is required for this position.

The annual salary range for this senior level role is $100,000 - $120,000. The posted salary range represents a general guideline; however, STScI considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers, such as internal pay equity, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education, and skill, and current market conditions.

This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence in order to meet ITAR requirements.

Software Engineer II – C++ Application Developer Role

In this role, you will be working to develop, maintain, and support complex C++ applications that schedule observations for the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and Roman Space Telescope. The software executes on Linux based computers with an SQL database. Application areas include orbital mechanics, ephemeris processing for celestial bodies and spacecraft, and time/angle constraint computations. Vector, matrix, least-squares curve fitting, and linear programming are just some of the application areas involved. Your work as a developer will play a critical role in the success and scientific productivity of NASA missions that continue to reshape our understanding of the universe.

Responsibilities include:

In this position, in collaboration with the Short Term Scheduling Team, you will:
• Design, develop, and support large (millions of LoC) applications
• Collaborate in a small Agile team setting
• Work independently
• Work with stakeholders to gather and develop requirements driven by science and engineering concerns
• Adapt to changing requirements
• Organize multiple projects and estimate work

Qualifications:

A BS/BA in Computer Science, Physics, or a related scientific or technical field and 5 – 8 years of software development experience, including:
• Substantial experience developing complex, object-oriented applications in C++ or a similar language
• Excellent software design skills
• Excellent problem solving and debugging skills
• Good testing practices
• Good version control practices
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• A helpful and collaborative team-player mentality
• Agile development practices
• Experience with orbital mechanics or spacecraft operations is a plus, but not required.

The position level and salary are commensurate with education, skills and experience.

Our excellent benefits include:
• Employer retirement contribution – direct STScI contribution of 10% of your salary from your first day
• 12 days sick leave, 24 days’ vacation, and 10 paid holidays
• Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/prescription plans, and more!

TO APPLY: Please upload a resume, cover letter and online application. Applications received by March 31, 2025 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu.