Trainee Software Engineer- Grade 13

This position is designed for engineers without previous working experience and it is oriented to train staff for developing all activities performed by experienced software engineer. During the training period, all the activities and tasks assigned will be supervised by the group manager, technical lead and/or experienced colleagues.

The successful candidate will join the Software Group within the ALMA Department of Computing and will actively participate in ALMA software deployment and operations support. In particular, his/her duties will include software installation, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, problem reporting, operations support, corrective and preventive maintenance and application development.

Activities and tasks will be assigned, monitored and controlled according to ADC/SG management structure compounded by Group Manager and Technical Leads.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop all technical and soft skills required to perform the activities mentioned below in an reliable and autonomous manner.
• Participate at the deployment, configuration and testing of different ALMA software releases used for commissioning or operations activities at the observatory.
• Provide support on ALMA software usage to non-software engineers and astronomers, including off-hours emergency support on occasions.
• Participate in software corrective and preventive maintenance as well as software development, implementing bug fixes, improvements and operational tools as assigned by the Software Group Manager and/or Software Group Technical Leads.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The position duty station is Santiago Central Offices with possibility of applying to remote hybrid working mode according to the internal regulations.
• Some trips to the Operations Support Facility (OSF) may be required for specific missions and/or purposes.
• Willingness to travel overseas for both short and extended periods for meetings, training, etc.
• Work is typically performed indoors.
• This is a long-term position that includes a one-year contract, renewable for another year, then indefinite.

Deadline for applications: October 15th, 2026, 12 pm Chile time.

Requirements

• A university degree in computing, software or electronics engineering, computer sciences, physics or equivalent. No previous working experience is needed for applying to this position.
• Knowledge in object-oriented programming in C++/Java on a Linux/Unix environment. Knowledge in object-oriented scripting languages, preferably Python or similar is highly desirable.
• Knowledge in software development and maintenance using well-known standards and design patterns, as well as current technologies and programming languages.
• Knowledge in continuous integration and delivery practices, automated pipelines, containerized environments, and related software development tools.
• Communications skills to coordinated with a geographically distributed team. Good self-learning skills.
• Highly motivated and proactive team player, with good communicational and interpersonal skills. Interest in working on multidisciplinary teams involving computing, software and electrical engineers, radio astronomers and array operators.
• English – Intermediate to advanced level (B2 level). Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

ALMA Values

An important element in any successful employment relationship is harmony in values between an organization and its people.

The ALMA Values are:

Excellence

Respect and Diversity

Collaboration

Care

Applicants to any ALMA role are asked to reflect on their affinity with these values and advised they may be asked about them if called for an interview.

Este aviso se publica dentro del marco de la Ley N° 21.015, que incentiva la inclusión de personas con discapacidad al mundo laboral.

This notice is published within the framework of Law No. 21.015, which encourages the inclusion of people with disabilities in the world of work.