Senior Lightning Scientist

AccuWeather Careers•State College, PA

About The Position

The Senior Lightning Scientist is a subject-matter expert responsible for advancing AccuWeather’s lightning detection, analysis, and interpretation capabilities. The role combines scientific understanding of lightning physics with practical expertise in RF systems, sensor networks, and algorithm development. It plays a critical part in improving detection accuracy, developing methodologies, guiding technical strategy, and collaborating across science, engineering, and product teams to deliver lightning intelligence products. Working closely with data science, hardware, and software engineering teams, the Senior Lightning Scientist drives innovation in lightning detection technologies, signal processing, and real-time analysis systems that support AccuWeather’s operational, commercial, and public safety offerings.

Requirements

Advanced degree (PhD or MS with significant experience) in Atmospheric Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Geophysics, or a related field.
Deep understanding of lightning physics, electromagnetic emissions from lightning, and storm electrification processes.
Strong background in RF systems, signal processing, and spectral analysis.
Demonstrated experience with lightning detection techniques such as TOA, TDOA, interferometry, or related geolocation methods.
Proficiency in algorithm development and data analysis using Python, C++, or similar scientific computing environments.
Experience working with large-scale, real-time observational data systems.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to communicate complex scientific and technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing or working directly with lightning detection hardware, sensors, or ground-based networks.
Background in antenna theory, antenna design, and RF propagation effects.
Familiarity with FPGA, SDR, or embedded systems used in RF signal acquisition.
Experience with cloud-based data platforms and high-throughput data-processing pipelines.
Published research or patents related to lightning detection, RF sensing, or atmospheric electricity.
Experience collaborating with operational forecasting or severe weather teams.
Familiarity with machine-learning applications for lightning or RF signal classification.

Responsibilities

Serve as a technical and scientific authority on lightning physics, detection methodologies, and operational interpretation.
Lead development, evaluation, and improvement of lightning detection algorithms using techniques such as TOA, TDOA, interferometry, and hybrid approaches.
Analyze RF signals across relevant lightning-detection frequency bands, including waveform characterization, noise mitigation, and signal classification.
Collaborate with hardware and electrical engineering teams on sensor design, RF front-end considerations, antenna design, placement, and calibration strategies.
Develop and refine signal-processing pipelines for 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 control.
Evaluate network performance, detection efficiency, location accuracy, and timing precision using ground truth and statistical methods.
Contribute to integrating lightning data into forecasting, nowcasting, severe weather detection, and machine-learning systems.
Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to scientists and engineers working on lightning-related systems.
Document methodologies, assumptions, system limitations, and scientific findings for internal and external stakeholders.
Collaborate with product, operations, and research teams to translate scientific advances into scalable, customer-facing solutions.
Perform other duties as assigned.