HLS Manager

The High-Level Software (HLS)/Control Systems (CS) Lead is critical to the Observatory’s ability to operate safely, reliably, and as an integrated scientific system. By serving as the technical authority and architect for the Observatory Control System and Global Interlock System, this role ensures that complex hardware, software, and operational elements function together as a coherent whole. Strong architectural leadership at this level reduces technical risk, enables scalability across sites, and protects long-term scientific capability.

This role provides the continuity and technical governance needed to translate scientific and operational requirements into robust, maintainable control system solutions. Through disciplined requirements management, design standards, and cross-team coordination, the HLS/CS Lead safeguards system performance, safety, and schedule while enabling efficient collaboration among internal teams and external partners. Without this leadership, the Observatory would face increased integration risk, higher lifecycle costs, and reduced operational resilience.

The ngGONG project is currently funded for a three-year design phase, with the potential for additional funding contingent upon selection to advance into construction.

This position is based in Boulder, Colorado, on the University of Colorado campus.

What You’ll Do

HLS/CS Team Management & Oversight

• Serve as the software manager and system architect for the Observatory Control System (OCS) and all related software subsystems.


• Serve as software manager for the ngGONG Data Management System and data processing software, including the interface to the NSO Data Center.


• Serve as the technical lead and system architect for the Global Interlock System (GIS).


• Act as Control Account Manager (CAM) for HLS/CS, overseeing budgets, schedules, and risk management.


• Participate in project reviews, design baselines, and configuration-controlled documentation processes.


• Provide regular reporting to the Project Manager and participate in governance and review activities.


• Lead hiring, mentoring, and day-to-day technical oversight of HLS/CS programmers, staff, and contractors.

Requirements, Designs, & Specifications Development

• Establish technology choices, trade studies, design standards, and integration strategies across multiple observatory sites.


• Engage with observatory operations, user communities, and external stakeholders on system concepts and interfaces.


• Coordinate with Systems Engineering, Science, and subsystem leads to ensure unified, end-to-end architecture.


• Define, decompose, and maintain traceability of HLS/CS design requirements and interfaces.


• Produce and maintain formal specifications, ICDs, API definitions, and design documents.


• Lead detailed design of OCS subsystems, including communication patterns, API architecture, and data flows.


• Manage detailed design of the data collection, storage, and processing.


• Define and implement strategies for simulations, test harnesses, and digital twins used for verification.


• Ensure reliability, safety, and cybersecurity considerations are incorporated into designs.


• Provide technical oversight of vendors and subcontractors delivering HLS/CS or safety-related software/hardware.

Post-Project Planning & Estimating

• Develop plans and cost estimates for future HLS/CS design completion efforts.


• Develop plans and cost estimates for future HLS/CS construction, deployment, or implementation activities.

Core Competencies

• Technical Leadership & Architecture – Leads design and architecture of complex, multi-site control systems with a systems-level perspective.


• Project & Risk Management – Effectively plans, estimates, and manages cost, schedule, and risk activities; performs as CAM for HLS/CS.


• Systems Thinking – Integrates requirements across engineering, science, and operations to support unified control system design.


• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement – Communicates technical concepts clearly and engages effectively with internal and external partners.


• Team Leadership & Development – Hires, mentors, and directs programmers and technical staff in day-to-day and long-term work.


• Analytical & Decision-Making Skills – Conducts trade studies, evaluates technologies, and selects solutions aligned with project goals.


• Quality, Safety, & Reliability Focus – Ensures designs incorporate reliability, cybersecurity, safety, and maintainability.


• Vendor & Contractor Oversight – Manages external contributors to ensure compliance with technical, quality, and design standards.

Why NSO?

At the National Solar Observatory, you’ll join a mission-driven community working at the frontier of solar science. Our teams are dedicated to understanding the Sun in ways that protect technology, enhance scientific discovery, and inspire global audiences. NSO offers a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where curiosity is encouraged, varied perspectives are valued, and employees can make a tangible impact on science and society. Here, you will have the opportunity to grow your career, lead innovative outreach programs, and help shape the national conversation around solar physics and space weather.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field.


• Approximately 8+ years of experience in software architecture, control systems, or large distributed systems.


• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams or serving as a system architect.


• Experience developing requirements, ICDs, APIs, specifications, and complex design documentation.


• Proven experience managing budgets, schedules, and risk in large technical projects.


• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering and scientific teams.


• Knowledge of reliability, safety, and cybersecurity principles in mission-critical control systems.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in a related field.


• Experience with observatory systems, large scientific facilities, or high-reliability industrial control systems.


• Experience with simulations, digital twins, or automated test frameworks.


• Experience managing vendors and technical contractors.


• Experience integrating control systems across multiple sites or facilities.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 50% of the time.


• Occasional need to move about inside the office environment to access files, office tools, attendance in a meeting room, etc.


• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity tools that require fine motor skills, such as a calculator, copy machine, computer printer, etc.


• May occasionally need to position self to maintain computer and related tools.


• Seldomly needed to move objects up to 10 pounds.


• Constant communication with other individuals. Must be able to discern and exchange information as appropriate to the situation.


• Constant need to distinguish, discern, and identify a variety of objects and fine details with accuracy.


• Occasional work at high elevation summit sites may be required (summit elevations range from 6,800 feet to 14,000 feet)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required by personnel so classified. This Institute promotes Equal Employment Opportunity workplace that includes reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified, disabled applicants and employees.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $173,000 to $200,000. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/benefits-by-location/

About NSO and AURA

The National Solar Observatory is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), a consortium of leading universities and research institutions committed to advancing astronomical discovery. AURA manages world-class observatories for the National Science Foundation, providing scientific leadership, operational excellence, and a collaborative environment that supports groundbreaking research. As part of AURA, NSO benefits from shared resources and a community dedicated to innovation, transparency, and public service, ensuring its work has broad and lasting impact.

How to Apply:

If you’re interested in providing high-level administrative support for a mission-driven scientific program at one of the world’s premier observatories, we encourage you to apply. Applications received by February 19,2026 will receive priority consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

Submit your CV and cover letter (PDF format preferred) via our application system. Please name your files in the format: Lastname_Docname.pdf.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance at [email protected]