Jobs - Project Manager for new Software-Defined Radio Telescope project

Project Manager for new Software-Defined Radio Telescope (SDRT) project

The mission of the SETI Institute is to explore, understand and explain the origin, nature and prevalence of life in the universe. We believe we are conducting the most profound search in human history – to discover our beginnings and our place among the stars. Founded in 1984, the SETI Institute is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research, education, and public outreach.

The SETI Institute is seeking an experienced Project Manager to help develop and manage an open, Software-Defined Radio Telescope (SDRT) project. The SDRT will be the next generation computing platform designed to support the processing requirements for the Allen Telescope Array (ATA). This innovative radio telescope currently consists of 42 antennas arrayed to provide eight data streams of 100 MHz bandwidth. The SDRT is a high performance computing application that will support the future growth of the ATA and its signal processing requirements as 308 more antennas are added and the bandwidths of each data stream broadens to 600 MHz. The goals of the SDRT are to provide researchers with near real-time detection systems that continue to improve as a result of the exploitation of the exponential “Moore’s Law” improvements in commodity microprocessors, programmable logic, memory, storage and networking. The SDRT should encourage new waves of innovation through software development on open, general-purpose systems; and support the Institute’s mission for full-time observing and detection of radio signals from extraterrestrial technologies.

The successful candidate must possess strong management and technical skills, and have experience in fast-track development. This individual will oversee all aspects of the project using planning, monitoring and controlling management tools. The Project Manager is responsible for coordination and completion of the project and to this end will perform a variety of tasks including setting deadlines, assigning responsibilities, and monitoring and summarizing progress of the project.

Responsibilities:

Creates and executes project work plans and revises as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements
Identifies resources needed and assigns individual responsibilities
Manages day-to-day operational aspects of project and scope
Manage the Institute employees and outside contractors working on SDRT
Plans and schedules resources both inside and outside Project
Reviews deliverables prepared by team
Assists in definition of project and process standards and effectively enforces them
Prepares and presents project reviews / projections to senior management
Manages project budget
Conducts regular status and project meetings with the team

Professional Qualifications

Required Skills:

Possess an understanding of digital signal processing
Understands cost-to-completion projections and makes decisions accordingly
Accurately forecasts budget utilization
Facilitates team and stakeholders meetings effectively
Possesses good communication skills, both written and oral
Facilitates with project management tools

Desired Skills:

Knowledge of radio astronomy
Knowledge of distributed computing
Be able to understand the technology being used, without necessarily being an expert

Leadership:

Challenges others to develop as leaders while serving as a role model and mentor
Manages the development of team by ensuring, when possible, that project tasks are in line with each Innovator's career interests
Inspires coworkers to attain goals and pursue excellence
Identifies opportunities for improvement and makes constructive suggestions for change
Manages the process of innovative change effectively
Remains on the forefront of emerging industry practices
Resolves and/or escalates issues in a timely fashion
Communicates difficult/sensitive information tactfully

Teamwork:

Facilitates team and client meetings effectively
Motivates team to work together in the most efficient manner
Keeps track of lessons learned and shares those lessons with team members
Consistently acknowledges and appreciates each team member's contributions
Mitigates team conflict and communication problems
Plans and facilitates regular team activities outside of the office

Special Requirements:

Travel will be required to effectively utilize the remote observing site, and to interface with donors and suppliers.
Delivers engaging, informative, well-organized presentations

Application deadline: Open until filled
The SETI Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply: Apply online now

Open until filled