Radio Astronomer

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is looking for a Radio Astronomer to support our customers at USNO, Washington DC.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The successful candidate will support the Radio Optical Reference Frame Division in its mission to define and maintain the celestial reference frame. The candidate will support efforts to improve astrometric and geodetic data products through the development and evaluation of future Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) capabilities. Work will include: simulation and analysis of network geometry, group delay measurements, calibration techniques, and systematic errors. Travel to Socorro, NM is expected and additional travel to conferences and workshops may be required.

ABOUT THE USNO

The USNO is responsible for the production and dissemination of precise time, astrometry, and Earth orientation parameters for the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community. As the DoD Celestial Reference Frame manager, USNO collects, manages, validates and disseminates celestial data, and is the authoritative source for all celestial data for the DoD. To support this mission, USNO deploys and operates astronomical telescopes at multiple locations around the world. Its analytic products support Navy, DoD and other U.S. Government needs, such as those of NASA, NOAA and other agencies, as well as the needs of non-U.S. Government users world-wide. The USNO plays an important role in the world scientific community for research on stellar dynamics, active galactic nuclei, celestial reference frames and geodesy.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in astronomy or physics with an emphasis on radio interferometry, or postdoctoral work with this experience.


• Experience with either the Common Astronomy Software Applications (CASA) or Astronomical Image Processing System (AIPS) packages.


• Proficiency with Python programming and standard software development practices.


• A peer-reviewed publication record commensurate with a recent PhD or postdoctoral fellow


• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.


• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in VLBI is highly desirable. Especially astrometric/geodetic VLBI.


• Expertise in interferometric calibration is highly desirable.


• Experience using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) or VLBA-derived data is highly desirable.


• Experience simulating interferometric networks, observations, or experiments is highly desirable.


• Experience using GIS software packages, such as ArcGIS, is desirable.

U.S. citizenship is required for DoD contracts.

About CPI

We love science! We study the physical properties of the Earth and our atmosphere, neighboring planets, and the sun. We make the study of science practical by translating our findings into products, both hardware and software, that make our customer's lives easier and better. CPI has served various U.S. Government agencies, universities, international science organizations, prime contractors, as well as commercial customers for 40 years.

CPI is an employee-owned company -- our team members receive company stock. Employee ownership motivates and empowers increased productivity, contribution to the longevity of the business, improved retention, and enhanced employee engagement.

Why Work for Us?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits


• Positive, upbeat, and transparent company culture with opportunities for self-development and career advancement


• Employee-owned small business that allows team members to learn from each other and take ownership


• Professional development support including conference attendance and certification training

Benefits

• 401(k), Profit Sharing and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)


• Disability insurance (short-term and long-term)


• Flexible schedule


• Flexible spending account


• Health, Dental and Vision insurance


• Life insurance


• Paid time off


• Parental Leave


• Tuition reimbursement

To apply please visit our careers page.

CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.