Job Description
Job description
Support NASA missions! The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science and flight operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories located on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Learn more about our missions.
This position supports a hybrid work environment with both onsite and work from home. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
STScI Software Development Engineering Managers provide functional leadership to areas within our Systems Engineering, Integration & Test, and Operations (SEITO) Division. All SEITO Engineering Managers work with the division, mission offices and project leads to define and allocate the personnel resources on their teams necessary to ensure mission success. You will collaborate with other Engineering Managers to ensure industry recognized software development standards and practices are established and adhered to for current and future STScI endeavors.
Engineering Manager for the Commanding Development Team
This Engineering Manager is for the Commanding Development Team. This team leads the development and operations of on-board operations scripts for the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. The on-board scripts provide a critical interface between ground operations, the observatories, and their science instruments. Experience in software development of complex systems is required. This position leads a team of approximately 10 software engineers and operations professionals.
In addition to providing technical contributions to the missions, the engineering manager is also responsible for the following:
• Personnel Management (e.g., performance evaluations, crucial conversations, performance improvement plans)
• Employee Professional Development (e.g., training plans, succession planning, career planning)
• Recruiting, on-boarding, and maintaining staffing plans
• Contributions to strategic planning efforts, including, a focus on automated testing and CI/CD principles where appropriate
• Handling of employee administrative matters
• Alignment to STScI and Division process and policy
• Some script work from time to time, but not a primary responsibility
Qualifications:
Engineering Management at the STScI requires excellent communication, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Success is measured by the manager's ability to effectively balance the needs of the employee, division, and engineering organization. Engineering leadership works together to build and nurture a cohesive team.
A Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, Astronomy, Physics, or a related technical or scientific field, and a minimum of 5 years of leadership/personnel management and 5 years of software development experience are required. Substitution of additional relevant education or experience for the stated qualifications may be considered. Compensation is commensurate with education, skills and experience.
Candidates must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident. Qualification for ITAR clearance is required.
Our excellent benefits include:
• Employer retirement contribution – direct STScI contribution of 10% of your salary from your first day
• 12 days sick leave, up to 24 days’ vacation, and 10 paid holidays
• Flexible work schedule with work/life balance
• Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/prescription plans, and more!
TO APPLY: Please upload both a resume and a one-page cover letter in one PDF document. Your cover letter should describe the skills and experiences you bring to this position, why you are a good fit for this role at STScI, and how this position aligns with your career goals.
Direct link:
Applications received by March 15, 2026 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.
STScI offers a flexible and welcoming workspace for all. STScI embraces the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in creating a first-rate community. We strongly encourage women, ethnic minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities. Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu EOE/AA/M/F/D/V.
As a leader in the astronomical community, AURA is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the workforce www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp
As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, ****** orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below, as well as the requests for self-identification, are required under these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements for protection and assisting us in our record-keeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.
Support NASA missions! The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) is a multi-mission science and flight operations center for NASA’s flagship observatories located on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Learn more about our missions.
This position supports a hybrid work environment with both onsite and work from home. Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).
Application Deadline: March 15, 2026
STScI Software Development Engineering Managers provide functional leadership to areas within our Systems Engineering, Integration & Test, and Operations (SEITO) Division. All SEITO Engineering Managers work with the division, mission offices and project leads to define and allocate the personnel resources on their teams necessary to ensure mission success. You will collaborate with other Engineering Managers to ensure industry recognized software development standards and practices are established and adhered to for current and future STScI endeavors.
Engineering Manager for the Commanding Development Team
This Engineering Manager is for the Commanding Development Team. This team leads the development and operations of on-board operations scripts for the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. The on-board scripts provide a critical interface between ground operations, the observatories, and their science instruments. Experience in software development of complex systems is required. This position leads a team of approximately 10 software engineers and operations professionals.
In addition to providing technical contributions to the missions, the engineering manager is also responsible for the following:
• Personnel Management (e.g., performance evaluations, crucial conversations, performance improvement plans)
• Employee Professional Development (e.g., training plans, succession planning, career planning)
• Recruiting, on-boarding, and maintaining staffing plans
• Contributions to strategic planning efforts, including, a focus on automated testing and CI/CD principles where appropriate
• Handling of employee administrative matters
• Alignment to STScI and Division process and policy
• Some script work from time to time, but not a primary responsibility
Qualifications:
Engineering Management at the STScI requires excellent communication, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Success is measured by the manager's ability to effectively balance the needs of the employee, division, and engineering organization. Engineering leadership works together to build and nurture a cohesive team.
A Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, Astronomy, Physics, or a related technical or scientific field, and a minimum of 5 years of leadership/personnel management and 5 years of software development experience are required. Substitution of additional relevant education or experience for the stated qualifications may be considered. Compensation is commensurate with education, skills and experience.
Candidates must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident. Qualification for ITAR clearance is required.
Our excellent benefits include:
• Employer retirement contribution – direct STScI contribution of 10% of your salary from your first day
• 12 days sick leave, up to 24 days’ vacation, and 10 paid holidays
• Flexible work schedule with work/life balance
• Comprehensive medical/dental/vision/prescription plans, and more!
TO APPLY: Please upload both a resume and a one-page cover letter in one PDF document. Your cover letter should describe the skills and experiences you bring to this position, why you are a good fit for this role at STScI, and how this position aligns with your career goals.
Direct link:
Applications received by March 15, 2026 will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.
STScI offers a flexible and welcoming workspace for all. STScI embraces the diversity of our staff as a strategic priority in creating a first-rate community. We strongly encourage women, ethnic minorities, veterans, and disabled individuals to apply for these opportunities. Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu EOE/AA/M/F/D/V.
As a leader in the astronomical community, AURA is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the workforce www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity.asp
As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA and all of the centers do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, ****** orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below, as well as the requests for self-identification, are required under these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements for protection and assisting us in our record-keeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Software Development Engineering Manager position is now open for candidates interested in the Software Developer Jobs sector. This role in Baltimore offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Software Developer Jobs is a plus.