SkyMapper, Inc., is looking for a SkySphere Project Manager to lead the development of our all-sky camera product and establish it as an impactful tool for scientific observation.
The SkySphere Project Manager will primarily be responsible for managing the development, testing, and production of the SkySphere all-sky camera’s hardware, software, and scientific capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Finalize the SkySphere’s hardware design (computer, optics, enclosure, etc.), optimizing scientific capability, reliability, and cost
- Liaise with the SkyMapper technical team to develop software that enables operation of the SkySphere by the SkyBridge device as part of the SkyMapper network
- Characterize the data quality, scientific capabilities, and limitations of the SkySphere, with recommendations for improvements and expansion
- Oversee analysis of SkySphere data to extract scientific results
- General project coordination, including assigning tasks, tracking progress, and arranging schedules to meet project goals
- Ensure that all projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget
- Measure project performance using appropriate systems, tools, and techniques
- Supervise engineers, developers, and scientists assigned to the project
- Report progress and issues to CSO on a regular basis (e.g., weekly)
- Establish and maintain relationships with institutions, observatories, companies, and individuals that are active or potential users of the SkySphere and related products
- Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation
- Evaluation of potential hires for project team roles
Requirements
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a remote team environment
- Fluency in English, both written and verbal
- Minimum 3 years of experience performing scientific research involving observational astronomy or closely related fields
- Competency in observational astronomy fundamentals, including sky coordinate systems, standard photometric systems, and digital sensor imaging
- Strong understanding of Python coding language, to evaluate/test code delivered by developers and occasionally write small programs to support development
- Competency in using command-line interfaces on Linux
Nice to Have
- Background in all-sky camera design, operation, and/or data analysis
- Familiarity with machine learning/artificial intelligence modeling related to object recognition in images
- Familiarity with project management tools, particularly Jira and Confluence
- Advanced degree in astronomy, physics, engineering, or a related field demonstrating the ability to perform independent research
Position Details
- Part-time, 50% FTE
- Start date: Negotiable; ideally 15 August to 1 September 2025
- Term: Minimum 6 months from start date, with extension possible upon mutual agreement
- Location: Fully remote
- Travel paid for at least two 1-week visits per year to San Francisco, CA, USA, to work in-person with the SkyMapper team
- Additional benefits are not provided
To Apply:
Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your related experience, and links to relevant campaigns you have managed to: career@skymapper.io
