Farewell to Maxs Simmonds and Anton Schemrl After Two Decades at ALMA

From the challenges of the observatory’s construction era to today’s operational consolidation, both professionals leave a legacy of nearly 20 years of excellence and teamwork in the Computing Division.

Anyone who has walked the hallways of the Computing Department (ADC) at SCO knows that the ground-breaking science produced by ALMA doesn’t only happen in front of the antennas, but also through the meticulous work of safeguarding, connecting, and maintaining the seamless flow of data. With nearly 20 years at ALMA each, Maxs Simmonds and Anton Schemrl today say goodbye.

Both represent the evolution of our observatory: they transitioned from the unique challenges of the construction phase to establishing the technical maturity with which we operate today. In the following lines, we look back at their story, their legacy, and the memories they leave behind in our community.

Pioneers in the Construction Era

Arriving at ALMA in its early days meant embracing flexibility as a core value in daily work and solving challenges with resourcefulness and commitment. When Maxs Simmonds joined in 2007 as shared technical support between Information Technology (IT) and Project Management & Control System (PMCS), the observatory was still well within its construction phase, and excavations for the Residencia at the OSF were just getting underway.

“Back then, a lot of it was a ‘let’s get this done’ approach. I spent a lot of time integrating basic systems, from videoconference reservations to phone logs, and installing ALMA’s first data processing servers in Chile, along with their storage and network infrastructure,” Maxs explains.

For his part, Anton Schemrl joined the team in July 2008 following an outstanding career at La Silla. Holding a degree in Physics and a deep specialization in data systems, Anton took on the complex task of setting up the observatory’s initial databases from day one, working shifts at the OSF and building a holistic understanding of the entire software deployment chain.

Guardians of Data Flow: A Quiet Responsibility

With the transition to the operational phase, the responsibility resting on the shoulders of the Archive/Pipeline Operations (APO) team grew exponentially. The core premise guiding the group is clear: without a database, there is no system.

While Maxs advanced in his career to become Technical Lead and Deputy Manager of APO, leading the infrastructure that routes the daily data flow from the OSF to SCO and the international ALMA Regional Centers (ARCs), Anton took charge of managing the observatory’s Oracle engines.

In the early stages of scientific operations back in 2011, the volume of data ALMA would reach was hard to fathom. Anton took on the responsibility of continuously adapting and optimizing the data engine to support the project’s growth. That blend of deep analysis, composure under pressure, and ability to prevent failures earned him an affectionate nickname within his team: “the Samurai.”

“Oftentimes, his best work was precisely those problems that never existed, because Anton anticipated them in time. To a great extent, the fact that numerous software and database changes could be implemented over the years without affecting operations is thanks to Anton’s careful and systematic work,” highlights José Parra, APO Manager.

Whiteboards, Vibe Coding, and the Computing Department Culture

Maxs and Anton’s footprint at ALMA is measured not only in code patches or the development of critical processes associated with observatory operations, but also in the warmth and workplace atmosphere they helped build on the second floor of SCO.

For Maxs, daily camaraderie and informal conversations by the cafeteria whiteboard were always the ideal setting to solve cross-departmental problems, share a joke, or test out new ideas.

“Even though ALMA moves with the caution typical of a major project, there is always room to learn. Recently, we’ve been experimenting with vibe coding and artificial intelligence for certain use cases. My advice to young professionals is to view this as a marathon: there is so much to learn and incredible professionals to connect with,” he explains.

Likewise, his teammates highlight the rigor that defined Anton’s presence in the team: an extremely direct and efficient professional. Unfiltered when pointing out something that needed fixing, yet at the same time bringing a great sense of humor, loyalty during tough times, and a commitment that never looked at the clock.

Closing a Chapter and New Horizons

Today, after 19 years at ALMA, Maxs embarks on a new journey abroad, focused on leading his personal venture and taking on new academic challenges with the same positive attitude that always characterized him. Anton, on his part, concludes an 18-year chapter, leaving behind a benchmark of excellence, documentation, and rigor that will serve as a guide for future generations of database administrators.

“Having them with us all these years has been a true privilege. Their rigor, experience, and exceptional professional caliber have left a profound mark on the team and on ALMA. So have their honesty, sense of humor, and constant readiness to step up when needed most. We can only sincerely thank them for everything they have given and wish them every success in this new chapter, with the satisfaction of knowing that they leave behind a legacy that will endure for many years to come,” concludes José.