Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute · 1 month ago
IT Specialist (Software Configuration Specialist) (IS-2210-11/12)
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is at the forefront of the scientific exploration of the universe, and they are seeking an IT Specialist (Software Configuration Specialist) to support the Chandra X-ray Observatory's software configuration management. This role involves maintaining and enhancing the software build, test, and deployment infrastructure while collaborating with the software development team throughout the software development lifecycle.
Museums & Institutions
Responsibilities
Function as part of a team to maintain and improve the Data System internal software build, test, and deployment infrastructure. Develop and maintain scripts, operational procedures, and internal documents following the software development lifecycle: requirements generation, design, code, verification and test, and maintenance; Generate all documentation according to Data System guidelines
Monitor automated build and test pipelines/infrastructure routinely and for new releases. Validate the results and provide solutions when errors are encountered. Actively coordinate with the software team when the responsibility for solutions falls to them
Build and deploy software releases; Coordinate configuration of test and release platforms with the system group; manage the deployment of software releases as part of the team
Perform a regular inventory of 3rd party software with dependencies in the Data System (OTS, COTS, AOTS). Monitor and manage system infrastructure (OS, compiler, libraries) and licenses (JetBrains, Atlassian, GitLab) for the Data System. Coordinate upgrades that fit into the overall goals and schedule and perform those upgrades as part of an overall data system schedule and plan in coordination with the CM lead and supervisor
Provide support to the software development team with portability, configuration, and compilation issues; Mentor team members, respond to problem reports, and use available systems (i.e., Jira) to record and monitor issues
Qualification
Required
Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail
Customer Service - Works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services
Oral Communication - Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately
Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations
Candidates for grade 11 must possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 9 in the normal line of progression for this occupation
Candidates for grade 12 must possess a minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 11 in the normal line of progression for this occupation
All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions
Knowledge of and the ability to configure and utilize distributed version control systems (e.g., Git)
Knowledge of and the ability to utilize scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) and Unix based operating systems
Knowledge of and ability to utilize and manage software support tools (e.g., Atlassian products such as Jira/Confluence)
Skill in organizing and utilizing continuous integration environments (e.g., gitlab, github actions) and containers (eg., podman, docker)
Skill in organizing and utilizing package managers (e.g., conda, pip)
Skill in developing new software, modifying existing programs, and planning, coding, testing, and maintaining programs that may present complex problems
Benefits
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Transit/Commuter Benefits
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
Annual and Sick Leave
Family Friendly Leave
403b Retirement Plan
Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships
Museum Stores and Restaurants
Credit Union
Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Childcare)
Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)
Company
Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute leads the Smithsonian's global efforts to save species, better understand ecosystems and train future generations of conservationists.