Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Visa Sponsorship Jobs USA
Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy operates at the intersection of science and public service, supporting major observatories and research facilities across the U.S. For international researchers and scientists, the organization has a history of sponsoring work visas, making it a recognized name among academic and research-focused job seekers.
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NSF NOIRLab is seeking an experienced Senior Software Systems Architect to support the development of the NOIRLab Program Platform (NPP), a cross-program platform supporting end-to-end scientific workflows across Gemini, Rubin, GMT, and CSDC.
Working with scientists, software engineers, systems engineers, and program stakeholders, you will help define the platform architecture, requirements framework, integration strategy, and verification approach needed to support phased development, deployment, and long-term operations.
This role is ideal for an experienced architect who combines strong software engineering expertise with systems engineering discipline, including requirements development, interface definition, integration planning, and verification and validation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Define and evolve the NPP software architecture and integration strategy.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to develop use cases, requirements, and Concept of Operations (ConOps).
- Establish and maintain requirements traceability from stakeholder needs through implementation and verification.
- Define APIs, interface specifications, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
- Support integration of existing NOIRLab systems, commercial products, and open-source solutions.
- Develop verification and validation frameworks, including acceptance criteria and verification methods.
- Contribute to system integration planning, test strategy, and quality planning activities.
- Support prototyping and testbed efforts using Gemini and Rubin as pathfinder programs.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 8+ years of experience in software architecture, systems engineering, platform engineering, or a related technical leadership role.
- Experience designing and evolving large-scale distributed software systems.
- Strong software development background in Python, Java, C++, or similar object-oriented languages.
- Experience with requirements analysis, requirements traceability, and interface definition.
- Experience developing or evaluating verification and validation approaches for complex software systems.
- Experience with API and service design using REST, GraphQL, or similar technologies.
- Knowledge of distributed, containerized, service-oriented, event-driven, and workflow-based architectures.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate across distributed teams and multiple stakeholder groups.
PREFERRED
- Experience in scientific computing, observatory operations, aerospace, research institutions, national laboratories, or similar complex technical environments.
- Experience supporting end-to-end platforms or systems-of-systems architectures.
- Experience developing ICDs, architecture baselines, verification matrices, or ConOps documentation.
- Experience integrating legacy systems and third-party solutions into modern platforms.
- Familiarity with CI/CD, release management, software lifecycle governance, and Agile delivery practices.
- Experience with Kubernetes and container orchestration technologies.
- Experience supporting prototypes, pilot deployments, or operational testbeds.
- Experience using AI-assisted software development tools and practices.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $128,442 – $174,000 per year. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, experience, and job location.
AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources.
Apply by July 3, 2026, for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
NSF NOIRLab is seeking an experienced Senior Software Systems Architect to support the development of the NOIRLab Program Platform (NPP), a cross-program platform supporting end-to-end scientific workflows across Gemini, Rubin, GMT, and CSDC.
Working with scientists, software engineers, systems engineers, and program stakeholders, you will help define the platform architecture, requirements framework, integration strategy, and verification approach needed to support phased development, deployment, and long-term operations.
This role is ideal for an experienced architect who combines strong software engineering expertise with systems engineering discipline, including requirements development, interface definition, integration planning, and verification and validation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Define and evolve the NPP software architecture and integration strategy.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to develop use cases, requirements, and Concept of Operations (ConOps).
- Establish and maintain requirements traceability from stakeholder needs through implementation and verification.
- Define APIs, interface specifications, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
- Support integration of existing NOIRLab systems, commercial products, and open-source solutions.
- Develop verification and validation frameworks, including acceptance criteria and verification methods.
- Contribute to system integration planning, test strategy, and quality planning activities.
- Support prototyping and testbed efforts using Gemini and Rubin as pathfinder programs.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 8+ years of experience in software architecture, systems engineering, platform engineering, or a related technical leadership role.
- Experience designing and evolving large-scale distributed software systems.
- Strong software development background in Python, Java, C++, or similar object-oriented languages.
- Experience with requirements analysis, requirements traceability, and interface definition.
- Experience developing or evaluating verification and validation approaches for complex software systems.
- Experience with API and service design using REST, GraphQL, or similar technologies.
- Knowledge of distributed, containerized, service-oriented, event-driven, and workflow-based architectures.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate across distributed teams and multiple stakeholder groups.
PREFERRED
- Experience in scientific computing, observatory operations, aerospace, research institutions, national laboratories, or similar complex technical environments.
- Experience supporting end-to-end platforms or systems-of-systems architectures.
- Experience developing ICDs, architecture baselines, verification matrices, or ConOps documentation.
- Experience integrating legacy systems and third-party solutions into modern platforms.
- Familiarity with CI/CD, release management, software lifecycle governance, and Agile delivery practices.
- Experience with Kubernetes and container orchestration technologies.
- Experience supporting prototypes, pilot deployments, or operational testbeds.
- Experience using AI-assisted software development tools and practices.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $128,442 – $174,000 per year. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications, experience, and job location.
AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources.
Apply by July 3, 2026, for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.
Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Job Roles at Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy Visa Sponsorship Jobs USA
Target research and technical roles
AURA's sponsored positions tend to sit in scientific, engineering, and technical disciplines tied to observatory operations and astronomy research. Focus your applications on roles that directly support those research missions for the strongest sponsorship consideration.
Understand which visa types they support
AURA has experience with H-1B, J-1, TN, and F-1 OPT and CPT sponsorship. If you're on OPT or CPT, explore whether a role can transition into H-1B sponsorship before your authorized period ends.
Align your background with observatory and research programs
AURA manages institutions like NSF's NOIRLab and the Space Telescope Science Institute. Applicants whose experience connects to astrophysics, instrumentation, data science, or telescope operations are best positioned to receive sponsorship consideration.
Start your search on a platform with verified sponsorship data
Not every job posting signals whether a company will sponsor. Migrate Mate surfaces verified sponsors so you can filter by real sponsorship history, helping you focus on AURA openings where visa support is confirmed.
Apply early in hiring cycles for research positions
Federally funded research organizations like AURA often follow structured hiring timelines tied to grant cycles and fiscal years. Applying early gives HR adequate time to initiate visa processes before your current authorization expires.
Be transparent about your visa needs in your application
Research institutions in the Science & Research sector are generally experienced with international hires. Clearly stating your visa status and timeline upfront helps AURA's hiring team plan sponsorship logistics without delays in the offer process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes, AURA sponsors H-1B visas. As a nonprofit research management organization supporting major U.S. observatories, AURA regularly hires international professionals in scientific and technical roles that qualify as specialty occupations. H-1B sponsorship is most common for positions requiring advanced degrees in fields like astronomy, engineering, data science, or information technology.
What visa types does Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy sponsor?
AURA sponsors several visa categories, including H-1B, J-1 visa, TN visa, F-1 OPT, and F-1 CPT. J-1 visas are particularly relevant for researchers and exchange visitors working at affiliated institutions. TN visa eligibility applies to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying professional roles. If you're on OPT or CPT, certain roles may offer a path to H-1B sponsorship.
Which departments or roles at Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy are most likely to be sponsored?
Sponsored roles at AURA tend to concentrate in research, engineering, software development, and observatory operations. Positions tied to AURA's managed facilities, such as NSF's NOIRLab or the Space Telescope Science Institute, often attract international candidates. Roles requiring specialized scientific or technical expertise are the most likely candidates for visa sponsorship consideration.
How do I find open visa-sponsored jobs at Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy?
Migrate Mate is the most efficient way to find AURA roles where sponsorship has been verified. Rather than applying blindly and asking about visa support mid-process, you can filter directly for employers with a confirmed sponsorship track record. This saves time and ensures you're only targeting roles where international candidates are genuinely considered.
How do I time my application to Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy around visa deadlines?
AURA operates on federally aligned hiring cycles, so roles often open in advance of fiscal year transitions. If you're on OPT with a limited runway, target openings at least three to four months before your authorization expires. For H-1B cap-subject petitions, April 1 is the earliest USCIS can begin employment, so backward planning from that date is essential for new applicants.