Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy · 16 hours ago
Data Manager
Boulder, CO
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$130K/yr - $176K/yrThe Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy is seeking a Data Manager for the Next-Generation Global Observing Network Group (ngGONG). This role involves leading the design and management of a comprehensive data management system to ensure efficient data flow and accessibility for scientific purposes.
Non Profit
Responsibilities
Lead the definition and management of ngGONG Data Management System requirements derived from scientific, operational, and user needs, with emphasis on end‑to‑end data flow from instrument to end user
Serve as the accountable lead for the scientific data lifecycle for ngGONG—from instrument data capture and on‑site buffering through transfer, pipeline processing, archival, and distribution to external users—ensuring that performance, reliability, and usability requirements are met
Manage the design of data archiving systems, including long‑term preservation, access, distribution, data lifecycle management concepts, and metadata/provenance standards
Oversee design planning for science data reduction pipeline infrastructure, including calibration and quality‑control workflows, processing stages, compute requirements, and scalability considerations
Interface with the Data Center leadership to define computing platform architectures, including storage, compute, virtualization, and potential cloud or hybrid strategies appropriate for ngGONG data volumes and performance needs
Coordinate network architecture design to support timely, reliable data transfer between ngGONG sites, partner institutions, and the external user community, accounting for bandwidth, latency, and resiliency requirements
Provide leadership for the design of user‑facing software concepts, tools, and interfaces (e.g., web portals, APIs, catalog services) that support data discovery, access, and science use cases
Develop system architecture documents, requirements specifications, interface definitions, data models, and design documentation for the ngGONG Data Management System and associated data systems
Generate statements of work and technical specifications to support external design activities and vendor engagements related to data systems, networking, and compute/storage infrastructure
Develop and maintain project schedules, cost estimates, and risk assessments for data center and data system design activities, and provide inputs to major project design reviews
Coordinate closely with ngGONG science teams, instrument and telescope teams, software engineers, systems engineers, the NSO Data Center, operations staff, and external collaborators to ensure alignment with overall project architecture and long‑term operational concepts
Ensure DMS designs consider integration with existing or legacy data systems where appropriate, including strategies for data migration, interoperability, and coexistence, while remaining focused on ngGONG requirements
Participate in formal project design reviews and provide clear recommendations to ngGONG project leadership on data system architectures, design trades, risks, and mitigation strategies
Support ngGONG leadership in broader data management planning and strategy development, including policies for data access, retention, curation, and compliance with relevant agency or community guidelines
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in engineering, computer science, data science, astronomy, or a closely related field, or equivalent experience; formal project management training or certification is a plus
Demonstrated ability to manage and deliver outcomes for medium‑ to large‑scale software or data‑intensive infrastructure projects (e.g., data centers, data pipelines, archives, or cyber-infrastructure)
Experience working within systems‑engineering‑based project environments, including requirements flow‑down, interface control, and participation in formal design reviews
Demonstrated technical knowledge in one or more critical data center or data‑system technology areas, such as data archiving, science data pipelines, distributed or high‑performance computing, networking, or large‑scale storage systems and associated data models/metadata practices
Ability to translate scientific and operational requirements into technical specifications and design documentation for data systems and infrastructure
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across technical and non‑technical audiences, including scientists, engineers, managers, and external partners
Proven ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, balancing competing priorities and constraints
Experience developing schedules, cost estimates, and risk assessments for technical projects, and tracking progress against those plans
Preferred
Experience managing data system or cyber-infrastructure projects in a research or scientific environment
Experience with data management systems for astronomy or other data‑intensive sciences, including experience with high‑volume, time‑series, or image data
Familiarity with cloud‑based or hybrid computing architectures (e.g., object storage, containerized services, or data‑lake/archival patterns) and how they apply to scientific data systems
Experience working with external vendors and industry partners in a collaborative design environment, including contract/SOW development and vendor technical oversight
Familiarity with quality management frameworks such as ISO 9000 or similar standards, and with data management best practices (e.g., FAIR principles, data governance frameworks) in scientific environments
Experience supporting projects through conceptual, preliminary, and final design reviews, including preparation and presentation of data‑system content
Membership in, or eligibility for membership in, recognized national or international project management institutes is desirable
Benefits
Paid time off
Retirement plan contributions
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Very attractive work environment
Company
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy
AURA is a consortium of 40 US institutions and 6 international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories.
Founded in 1957
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
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Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (13)
2024 (13)
2023 (9)
2022 (14)
2021 (10)
2020 (11)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Jack Tade, CPA
Deputy Chief Financial Officer
Theresa H.
Human Resources Business Partner
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