Lead Software Development Engineer

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.
The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.
The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics is one of the leading research centres for astronomy in Canada. Located at one of the top research universities, our institute retains reputable faculty, students and staff, all of whom are committed to innovation, public outreach and cutting-edge research. Our institute’s field of research covers a multitude of subject matter across the universe, such as galaxy evolution and dark energy. We are dedicated to making our education, training, and activities pleasant and welcoming for all
Under the direction of the Canadian Data Intensive Astrophysics Platform (canDIAPL, pronounced “candy apple”) co-PIs Renee Hlozek and Kristine Spekkens, and in close collaboration with the Project Manager at the University of Toronto, the incumbent is responsible for acting as the lead software developer for the “Real Time Analysis” or “Dynamic Data Sets” component of CanDIAPL, which is a major scientific nationwide project funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to convert the enormous raw data streams from next-generation optical and radio telescopes into sophisticated digital databases that astronomers can use to make new discoveries.
Key responsibilities include: coordinating and overseeing software development activities between six Canadian universities and other partners; and ensuring that all components are interoperable and meet scientific and technical specifications. The incumbent also coordinates, prioritizes and oversees the project’s software milestones, feature requests and bug reports; participates in the project’s management committee; and facilitates multi-site collaboration.
Analyzing, recommending, and designing highly complex software architecture
Designing, testing, and modifying programming code
Evaluating programming code to ensure it has validity, compatibility, and that it meets appropriate standards
Leading and planning IT projects
Developing project schedules including milestones, critical path, timelines, deliverables and reporting
Coordinating tasks for projects and other strategic initiatives with stakeholders
Serving as an expert resource to a group of professionals in the speciality

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or an equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience.
Minimum five (5) years of recent and related experience in software development and software product management
Demonstrated experience coordinating work with a team of software developers by contributing to task planning, progress tracking and timely delivery of project outputs, while providing technical guidance through code reviews, troubleshooting and design input to support code quality and deliver outcomes as required
Experience in Linux, Unix or Apple OSX
Experience with relational database design and maintenance
Experience in interpreting raw data streams from radio telescopes or similar data
Experience in high performance computing, especiallyinvolving massively parallel applications
OpenStack, AWS).
Advanced programming skills in Python and C++
Proven experience in software project management, including producing time and effort estimates, identifying the critical path and managing dependencies to meet project deadlines as required
Advanced skills in Git or similar version control system
Exceptional communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively convey complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences in an accurate and accessible manner
Demonstrated ability to translate user specifications into clear coding requirements and priorities, by working with users who have varying levels of technical expertise
Assets (Nonessential):

Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or relevant field
Experience in interpreting raw data streams from radio or optical telescopes or similar data
If you are a current USW staff member, please apply using the " Current Staff Apply Here " button on the University of Toronto Careers page.
This role may be eligible for an Alternative Work Arrangement in accordance with the University of Toronto’s Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline.

Schedule: Full-Time
Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Information Technology (IT)
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.