Satellite Data Assimilation and Fire Weather Modeling Specialist – Scientist IV

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Develop, enhance, and sustain components of sophisticated atmospheric modeling systems within the MPAS and/or WRF frameworks.

• Implement and assess ensemble-based data assimilation techniques that integrate satellite and in situ observations into systems for predicting fire, smoke, and aerosol.

• Conduct research and development aimed at improving fire behavior, smoke transport, and aerosol parameterizations in numerical weather prediction models.

• Design, carry out, and analyze modeling experiments at the convective and meso scales employing high-performance computing (HPC) resources.

• Create workflows and software tools utilizing Git, Python, Bash, Fortran, and associated technologies.

• Evaluate model performance and observational datasets to enhance forecast accuracy and the physical representation of fire-atmosphere interactions.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to advance next-generation fire and smoke forecasting capabilities.

• Prepare technical documentation, code repositories, validation reports, and detailed workflow descriptions.

• Contribute to quarterly and annual progress reports.

• Lead or participate in peer-reviewed publications and present findings at conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.

• Engage in field data collection activities that may necessitate irregular hours during significant severe weather events.

• Travel locally and outside the area as required, though expected to remain under 5% annually.

⛳️ Requirements

• MS Degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, computer science, engineering, or a related discipline.

• Over 8 years of professional or academic experience.

• PhD is preferred.

• Experience with convective-scale and/or meso-scale numerical weather prediction modeling.

• Proven expertise in ensemble-based data assimilation methodologies.

• Previous experience in fire, smoke, and/or aerosol modeling and prediction.

• Proficiency in modifying and developing code within the MPAS, WRF, or similar atmospheric modeling frameworks.

• Advanced programming skills in Python, Bash, Fortran, Git, and related scientific software tools.

• Experience with complex modeling systems in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.

• Knowledge of aerosol, fire, and smoke parameterization schemes and their application in numerical models.

• Proven ability to communicate scientific findings through presentations, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications.

• Capacity to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary research and development team.

• Completion of an online IT security awareness course is required within one week of starting work.

• Foreign national candidates must undergo an export control review and require CO/COR approval prior to consideration.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance

• Life Insurance

• 401(k) Plan

• Holiday Pay

• Paid Time Off

• Opportunities for internal promotions

• Professional development opportunities

• Recognition and rewards programs

• Government-provided equipment, which includes access to HPC resources, specialized mobile observation platforms, laboratory test equipment, computers, and office workspace, as applicable