"Developer (II) - Department of Physics and Astronomy"

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Title

Developer (II) - Department of Physics and Astronomy

Job ID

64253

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

08/07/2024

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

08/13/2024

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 9

Salary Range

$29.51 - $45.60 (hourly)

Contract Duration

12.2 Months

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule 35 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Education Level Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.

Career Level Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

Job Description

Unit/Project Description:

The Canadian Neutron Beam Laboratory (CNBL) is an emerging national neutron beam user facility at McMaster University. It provides access to unique-in-Canada tools for materials research. More information about the CNBL is available here: https://nuclear.mcmaster.ca/neutron-beams/

The CNBL has recently received about $30M in funding to expand its facilities, including new neutron beam instruments that require further development of a custom designed data acquisition and instrument control system. The successful candidate will be part of a team of scientists, technicians, mechatronics specialists and software developers working to complete the neutron beam instruments and make them easily accessible to visiting researchers and students from all over Canada.

Are you the right candidate?

If you excel in user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design, are proficient in programming languages like Python and the C family of programming languages this role could be for you. Ideal candidates will have experience with EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System), be familiar with the electronics commonly used in x-ray or neutron scattering instrumentation (e.g. detector electronics, motor control systems) and with fundamentals of nuclear radiation detection and counting. Experience developing and testing software in the context of scientific instruments is valuable. Experience with hardware control and data acquisition systems, including I/O control and real-time controllers is valuable.

Strong oral and written communications are also important. The ideal candidate will have experience developing plans for IT systems development and reporting plans and status updates to management, as well as writing technical documents and support documentation are valuable. Skills such as identifying user requirements and translating them into code, and investigating reported problems are valuable.

The ideal candidate can work both independently and collaborate in a team and will have 6 or more years of experience in software development.

Job Summary:   

The Developer (II) is responsible for programming and developing applications software that meet specified client and business requirements. Provide input into the planning of the work packages based on expertise and understanding of the current applications and systems and the impact that they will have on the current production environment.

Purpose and Key Functions:   

• Develop and install new and modified University administrative applications systems using project management and application life cycle best practices.
• Complete the technical design, detailed specifications, programming system components, and system and integration testing for new applications.
• Contribute to project management documents for tracking project steps and process flow.
• Document the logical flow of processes and data in reports and flowcharts.
• Coordinate various tasks, resources, and people required to carry out problem solutions including the identification and sequencing of database administrator functions, and setting security authorizations.
• Create project plans which include task lists, test plans, client training plans, and analysis and documentation of project implications on other functional areas.
• Write and document business requirements for small to medium projects.
• Define, develop, and perform application testing procedures.
• Adapt techniques and interpret or modify procedures to achieve objectives where any changes are within the agreed project scope and deliverables.
• Gather information from customers to determine business, auditing, and system requirements.
• Facilitate meetings with customers and interpret, assess, and evaluate customer business requirements in order to establish project scope and design criteria for systems.
• Write complex programs using various computing and scripting languages.
• Debug computer program code.
• Develop and modify interfaces for existing applications and systems while maintaining the integrity of data and processes.
• Develop components for new multi-faceted computer systems and revise existing systems comprised of numerous application components.
• Work with and understand complex data models and databases for the most effective and efficient organization of data based on processing requirements.
• Contribute to the review, development, and modification of best practices and technical solutions.
• Communicate project, issue, and system status to project leads and managers.
• Perform load and stress testing to anticipate the impact of application usage on the production service environment.
• Complete calculations used to estimate various capacity requirements such as database size.
• Search and gather information from a variety of sources including computer applications, internet, and legislative documentation and consolidate relevant information to complete environmental scans.
• Develop time and cost estimates for project assignments.
• Work cooperatively with others to effectively determine information and understand business requirements of a complex nature.
• Deliver presentations to team members as it relates to project work.
• Exchange technical information with colleagues during the application development process.
• Explain and exchange technical concepts and information to clients in a non-technical manner to ensure that the customer comprehends the issue.
• Provide advice to customers on alternative and recommended approaches to computing system solutions for meeting their business requirements.
• Provide production service implementation training to clients.
• Provide expertise and working knowledge of application components such as internet, intranet, mainframe, personal computer, and database structures.
• Interpret complicated technical program specification documents, translate, and develop into application code.
• Prepare and review operations documentation, training materials, and timelines.
• Provide Level III post implementation support to users regarding technical issues.
• Take ownership of technical issues by identifying underlying problems, analyzing potential solutions and implementing system resolutions, including workarounds.
• Apply and enforce department change control policies and procedures.
• Participate in all phases of testing including, but not limited to, system, integration, acceptance, regression, and performance.
• Manage defects identified during all phases of a project.
• Resolve problems in the test, production implementation, and post-implementation phases in coordination with other technical and business groups.
• Communicate testing results to others.
• Maintain information technology process flow, methodology, and control documentation.
• Update and maintain knowledge of application components such as, internet, intranet, personal computer, and database structures.
• Remain current with relevant development and project methodologies.
• Remain current with frequent updates and changes to technology.
• Work with project leads and managers to prioritize and schedule issues resolution.
• Remain current with security policies and procedures and work with System Administrators to implement security changes.
• Facilitate effective dialog between technical staff.
• Read and understand complex Business Process Diagrams and develop basic (Level II) models.
• Read and understand a complex project plan and develop simple project plans.
• Understand the different levels of testing and develop simple use cases and test scripts.
• Follow a test script and document defects.
• Acquire and maintain a basic understanding of Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing principles.
• Develop simple queries using basic Business Intelligence tools.
• Provide recommendations to supervisor.
• Perform a range of varied work activities in a variety of structured environments.
• Understand and use appropriate methods, tools, and applications to complete work tasks.
• Demonstrate a rational and organized approach to work and identify development opportunities.
• Plan, schedule, and monitor own work within short time horizons.
• Absorb technical information when it is presented systematically and apply it effectively.
• Organize time, work and resources to accomplish objectives in the most effective and efficient way.
• Use measurement methods to monitor progress toward goal attainment, tenaciously working to meet or exceed those goals, while deriving satisfaction from the process of goal achievement and continuous improvement.
• Ensure that the internal and external customer perspective is a driving force behind decisions and activities.
• Follow service practices that meet customers’ and University needs.
• Interact with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the University.
• Work collaboratively with others to achieve departmental and institutional goals. Actively participate as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.

Requirements:   

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.
• Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.