Verification System Code Manager

Lynker Corporation•College Park, MD

About The Position

Lynker, a Federal Government Contractor, is seeking to fill a full-time position supporting the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at the Environmental Modeling Center (EMC). This position serves as a member of the Verification team within the Verification, Post-Processing, and Product Generation Branch (VPPPGB) in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. The incumbent will be primarily in charge of managing the code workflow that automates the evaluation of NCEP model forecasts, collaborating with internal and external partners and supporting the efforts of EMC’s Model Evaluation Group (MEG). Key responsibilities include managing code contributions and releases for the EMC Verification System (EVS) by reviewing, testing, and merging developer pull requests, and coordinating new releases. Additionally, the role requires researching and creating innovative model verification metrics and graphics to enhance skill assessment, while actively supporting and contributing to the community-based METplus (Model Evaluation Toolkit) verification software system.

Requirements

A M.S. or equivalent experience in atmospheric sciences, scientific programming, meteorology, mathematics, or a related physical science and at least ten years experience with analysis, modeling or numerical model evaluation.
Knowledge of the verification methods and techniques for verifying numerical Earth System Models (ESMs).
Extensive experience with working with the Python programming language in a high performance supercomputing UNIX environment, to both calculate ESM verification metrics and create custom graphical plots to view and communicate results.
Knowledge of the FORTRAN computing language and graphical display programs such as GRADS, GEMPAK, MATLAB, IDL, etc.
Knowledge of common meteorological data formats, such as GRIB2, NetCDF, HDF, BUFR, etc.
Knowledge of model verification software systems, such as the Model Evaluation Tools (METplus).
Demonstrated knowledge with using GitHub to manage software repositories and projects.
Understanding of the rigor of real-time, operational software development and maintenance on high performance supercomputers.
Ability to adhere to strict software code and timing performance standards that are commensurate with a real-time, operational software environment.
Some knowledge of using web page technology and common languages (e.g., HTML, Javascript) to display plots of ESM verification data.
Demonstrated skill in communicating effectively with scientists of diverse backgrounds, and the ability to present results accurately and clearly in both oral and written form.
Ability to analyze/plot and verify model output independently.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment on complex problems.
Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Expert proficiency in using tools like Git for reviewing, merging, and managing code contributions (pull requests).
Experience designing and managing the code workflow for automated data processing and model evaluation.
Experience coordinating, testing, and distributing new software releases (specifically for EVS and contributions to METplus).
Skill in maintaining and developing web interfaces for data visualization (e.g., EMC's Model Verification Web Pages).
Deep understanding of meteorological data, model outputs, and various verification metrics (e.g., error, skill scores, bias).
Familiarity with National Weather Service operational regional and global model ensembles and/or an operational forecasting environment.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail.
Knowledge of statistical principles and strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

Manage Code Contributions and Releases: Review, test, and merge developer pull requests, and coordinate new releases for EVS and METplus with upstream teams, NWS Central Operations (NCO) and the Developmental Testbed Center (DTC).
Maintain and Monitor Operational Systems: Continuously maintain and monitor the 'parallels' system (EVS-util) for stability. Clean up temporary/storage space on the parallels and coordinate necessary transfers when there is a production machine switch.
Address and Debug Code Failures: Work with NCO to resolve operational code failures and assist developers with debugging and answering GitHub Discussions.
Complete Release Documentation: Fill out all the necessary NCO Code Delivery Forms and accompanying release notes for EVS and METplus components.
Interact with NWS/NCEP/EMC and external partner domain scientists and engineers.
Adhere to DOC/NOAA/NWS Information Technology policies and procedures.
Adhere to project-specific software development guidelines and practices.
Complete scientific projects in a timely fashion according to internal and external schedules.
Actively contribute to review of scientific ideas at status/technical meetings.
Report regularly to senior project managers on project task completion status.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
Flexible spending accounts
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Short- and long-term disability insurance
Life and accident insurance
Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
Employee Referral Program
Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
Personalized career growth plans for every employee