Programmer Analyst IV

STC • Greenbelt, MD

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Science and Technology Corporation (STC) is seeking a senior software engineer to lead the software effort preparing two NASA airborne radiometers, CoSMIR-H and CoSSIR, for deployment aboard a new NASA aircraft, and to support their operation during an upcoming airborne science campaign. The role centers on adapting instrument control and real-time data software to a new platform and network environment, establishing remote instrument monitoring and control capability, and carrying that software through aircraft integration and into live flight operations. The successful candidate will work directly with the NASA Task Monitor and the GSFC Airborne Radiometer lab, and will serve as the technical lead for all software aspects of the effort. ATMOS is a NASA support services contract that provides advanced scientific, engineering, and technical expertise to enable Earth and space science missions. The program supports research, data analysis, technology development, and mission operations across multiple NASA centers. Through ATMOS, our teams deliver innovative solutions that help advance NASA’s mission and expand scientific discovery.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in scientific programming and data analysis, including five years in a leadership role.
• Broad understanding of atmospheric science or another Earth Science discipline.
• Significant experience in scientific programming in languages such as FORTRAN, C/C++, Java, and/or Python, or in software engineering and object-oriented programming.
• Proficiency in IDL, MATLAB, and/or shell-based scripts.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing instrument control or data acquisition software for airborne or sub-orbital scientific instruments.
• Experience implementing remote instrument monitoring and control over networked links.
• Direct experience with millimeter-wave or submillimeter-wave radiometers.
• Experience with NASA airborne science platforms and field campaign operations, including in-flight instrument operation.
• Familiarity with NASA network and IT security requirements for instrument systems.

Responsibilities

• Adapt CoSMIR-H and CoSSIR instrument control software to interface with a new airborne platform, including implementation of secure remote access to both instruments from the NASA network.
• Modify existing real-time data software to enable remote monitoring and retrieval of instrument data during flight.
• Verify software functionality, data integrity, and latency under representative aircraft network conditions prior to deployment.
• Support instrument installation, checkout, and interface verification aboard the aircraft, including network and data communications testing; resolve integration findings and implement corrective software updates.
• Serve as instrument operator aboard the aircraft during science flights; provide remote instrument support during flights when not serving as the onboard operator.
• Troubleshoot software and instrument anomalies in real time during integration and flight operations.
• Prepare and maintain software, remote access, and instrument operating documentation.
• Coordinate with the NASA Task Monitor on technical priorities, schedule, and status; provide monthly progress reporting.

Benefits

• Paid sick leave, accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours per accrual year
• 401(k) retirement plan participation upon meeting plan service requirements; STC matching contributions available to associate employees who meet the plan's 1,000-hour service threshold
• Unemployment insurance and Worker's Compensation coverage, premiums paid in full by STC
• Social Security and Medicare employer contributions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree