Senior Lightning Scientist

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

📋 Description

• Act as a technical and scientific expert on lightning physics, detection methods, and operational analysis.

• Spearhead the creation, assessment, and enhancement of lightning detection algorithms employing techniques such as TOA, TDOA, interferometry, and hybrid methodologies.

• Examine RF signals within pertinent frequency ranges associated with lightning detection, including waveform analysis, noise reduction, and signal categorization.

• Work alongside hardware and electrical engineering teams on sensor design, RF front-end considerations, antenna design, placement, and calibration strategies.

• Create and improve signal processing pipelines for both real-time and post-processed lightning data.

• Design, test, and validate algorithms for lightning geolocation, flash clustering, classification (e.g., CG vs IC), and quality assurance.

• Assess network performance, detection effectiveness, location precision, and timing accuracy utilizing ground truth and statistical techniques.

• Aid in the integration of lightning data into forecasting, nowcasting, severe weather detection, and machine learning frameworks.

• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and support to scientists and engineers engaged in lightning-related projects.

• Record methodologies, assumptions, system constraints, and scientific discoveries for both internal and external audiences.

• Collaborate with product, operations, and research teams to convert scientific innovations into scalable, customer-oriented solutions.

• Execute additional tasks as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD or MS with substantial experience) in Atmospheric Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Geophysics, or a similar field.

• Profound understanding of lightning physics, electromagnetic emissions from lightning, and storm electrification processes.

• Strong foundation in RF systems, signal processing, and spectral analysis.

• Proven experience with lightning detection methods such as TOA, TDOA, interferometry, or related geolocation techniques.

• Expertise in algorithm development and data analysis using Python, C++, or comparable scientific computing platforms.

• Experience in managing large-scale, real-time observational data systems.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.

• Capability to clearly convey complex scientific and technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

🏝️ Benefits

• AccuWeather is dedicated to collaborating with and providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

• Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.