Software Engineer/Programmer II/III

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)•Boulder, CO

1d•$83,299 - $139,056•Hybrid

About The Position

The Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling (ACOM) laboratory at NCAR is dedicated to advancing our understanding of air quality and climate through comprehensive, community-driven research. ACOM's multifaceted approach encompasses the development of cutting-edge instruments, models, and facilities. ACOM builds, critically evaluates, and applies process, regional-, and global-scale models that address atmospheric chemistry research questions. In collaboration with NSF NCAR’s Earth Observing Laboratory, ACOM scientists make available to the community a suite of airborne and ground-based requestable instruments and participate in numerous field campaigns each year. ACOM is in search of a candidate to fill either a Software Engineer/Programmer Level II or III role. The ideal candidate must be an expert in a scientific Object-Oriented programming language and a scripting language, possessing expertise in LINUX and software testing at the unit and integration levels. The candidate must have clear written and oral communication skills and experience working collaboratively with a team of atmospheric scientists to develop a sophisticated computer program that processes satellite data to produce a higher-level data product. A thorough grasp of metadata concepts, working competency with cybersecurity protocols, and knowledge of cloud computing are required. Candidate should have facility with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefiles, along with experience in the graphical display of data. Experience with GitHub or a comparable version control system, databases and SQL, and a working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer and atmospheric physics is desirable.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, 4-8 years OR Equivalent combination of education and experience
Skill in a scientific Object-Oriented programming language and a scripting language
Expertise in LINUX and software testing at the unit and integration levels
Experience working collaboratively
A thorough grasp of metadata concepts
Complete understanding of cybersecurity protocols and cloud computing
Demonstrated experience with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefiles
Experience in the graphical display of data
Clear written and oral communication skills
Expertise with a scripting language
Software testing expertise at the unit and integration levels
Ability to create graphical displays of data
Working competency with cybersecurity protocols
Cloud computing
Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, 8-12 years or Equivalent combination of education and experience
In-depth understanding of metadata concepts
Extensive technical expertise and competency with cybersecurity protocols and cloud computing
Experience with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefiles, along with experience in the graphical display of data.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Github or a comparable version control system
Comfortable working in a development environment using modern software platforms
Experience of satellite data processing
Working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer
Atmospheric physics and scientific literacy
Statistics and other mathematical concepts
Working knowledge of satellite dynamics and terminology
Experience working in the context of structured project management
Familiarity with netCDF or a comparable scientific data format
Knowledge of code optimization techniques and parallel processing.
Hold a balanced approach to the use of AI in the modern workplace
Working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer and atmospheric physics
Ability to create a GUI for data visualization at timescales useful for software debugging

Responsibilities

Collaborates closely with a team of atmospheric scientists to develop a sophisticated computer program that accepts satellite and necessary ancillary data, produces a higher- level data product, and functions as an essential step in the value chain.
Conducts product testing to confirm integrity and validity.
Engages in regular team meetings and provides consistent updates on project progress.
Articulates technical details clearly and presents findings to diverse audiences.
Develops code that ensures seamless integration into a larger processing system, adhering to all agreed-upon initiation sequences and exit codes.
Tests programs extensively to ensure reliable function under a wide range of conditions, including corrupted or incomplete input data.
Writes code with predictable failure modes to enable efficient troubleshooting and debugging.
Designs a test plan for the software.
Obtains ongoing professional development and the acquisition of new skills.
Exemplifies UCAR/NCAR’s institutional values of scientific excellence and integrity as well as mutual respect, providing an example for colleagues to aspire to.
Maintains all required employee certifications and training.
Conducts comprehensive product testing to confirm integrity and validity.
Develops a comprehensive software test plan, including the design and creation of automated testing tools that integrate with the development platform.
Designs and creates automated testing tools for the software and how it can integrate into the development platform.
Creates tools that read the log files and pinpoint failure conditions.
Generates performance diagnostics for each component of the system and identifies opportunities to optimize the codebase.

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
retirement
life insurance
Tuition Assistance
time off allowance to attend classes
other professional development opportunities
10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account
20 days of personal time off each year
10 paid holidays
12 weeks of paid parental leave
Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary
EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system