Job Details

Please apply directly on the RCUH website to be considered for the position.

SOFTWARE ENGINEER I – ID# 225535. 

CLOSING DATE: October 20, 2025, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first). INQUIRIES:  Masayo Nakajima 808-934-5058 (Hawai‘i). 

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), Subaru Telescope, located in Hilo, Hawai‘i.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws. 

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE:  $6,200 - $6,400/Mon. 

DUTIES:  Responsible for design and development of software for observational instruments and processes at NAOJ. Provides professional software engineering analysis, design, implementation and maintenance of software for operation of astronomical instrumentation and processes, observatory operations and other purposes as needed. Participates in daytime support and rotating on-call night support for observation control software. This is a progression series job in which the employee will be expected to perform with increasing independence on progressively responsible duties. Quantity and quality of work is expected to increase as levels increase. Progression from one (1) level to the next is not dependent on time-in-grade, rather upon employee`s demonstrated abilities, competence, and operational needs.  Through experience, demonstrated competence, and operational needs, may be hired at the appropriate level.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION

Bachelor`s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Computer Science, Engineering, Astronomy, or related fields in which significant coursework or advancement in software development can be demonstrated by academic transcript.

EXPERIENCE

One to three (1-3) years of experience in software design, production and support in a professional capacity. Includes experience with web-driven technologies and development coupled with relational or key/value databases. Experience using software version control systems (e.g. Git).

KNOWLEDGE

Understanding of application programming in Python or Javascript as well as lower level languages like C/C++. Good working knowledge of object-oriented methodology. Reasonable familiarity with software development on Linux.

ABILITIES & SKILLS

Ability to analyze, define, design, implement, test, evaluate and maintain complex software systems. Excellent English speaking, reading and writing skills. Ability to work in a multi-cultural workplace. 

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS

Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to work at 14,000 feet and pass a post offer high-altitude medical examination.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings.   Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.). 

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:   

Master`s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Science or Engineering. Experience with concurrent and distributed programming techniques. Experience in the analysis, design and production of software for the control of scientific or advanced instrumentation and processes. Familiarity with agile development practices and/or test-driven development. Experience with container technology. Experience with machine learning techniques. Ability to speak and/or read Japanese. Knowledge of astronomy and/or astronomical methods. General knowledge in administering/maintaining Linux computer systems. Experience with issue/ticket tracking systems.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to https://www.rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings/. You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Professional References, 4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_recruitment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808)956-7262 or (808)956-0872. Please visit https://www.rcuh.com/policies-forms-documents/benefits-at-a-glance.pdf for more information on RCUH`s Benefits for eligible employees.

RCUH`s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai‘i, with a focus on the University of Hawai‘i. 

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.