Sensor Data Scientist

Overview

Lynker Corporation is a premier provider of innovative environmental and scientific solutions supporting NOAA and other federal agencies. We specialize in weather, climate, coastal, and ocean science, delivering mission-critical support through applied research, advanced analytics, and operational technology.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Sensor Data Scientist to support an upcoming NOAA contract focused on enhancing the quantification of measurement uncertainty within the National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON). This position is contingent upon contract award. Final interviews and candidate selection will be made upon award.

 

Position Overview:

 

The Sensor Data Scientist will lead technical evaluations and methodology development to improve how NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) quantifies uncertainty in water level sensor data. This role involves analyzing sensor performance, identifying sources of error, and aligning methods with international standards to improve the reliability and transparency of NOAA’s coastal water level products.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Sensor Data Scientist will include the following:

 

Evaluation and Analysis:

• Review CO-OPS’ current approach to measurement uncertainty quantification.

• Analyze documentation and prioritize review materials in consultation with NOAA staff.

• Conduct comprehensive sensor assessments, identifying gaps and areas for methodological improvement.

• Recommend updated uncertainty approaches, incorporating additional sources of error where appropriate.

Sensor-Specific Methodology Development:

• Evaluate the reliability of current uncertainty methods for each sensor.

• Propose revised or enhanced methodologies as needed.

• Identify key contributors to uncertainty for NWLON’s most widely used water level sensor types.

• Apply probabilistic and statistical approaches tailored to NWLON measurement systems.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Clearly document findings, methodologies, and recommended improvements for each sensor.

• Create and maintain a code repository to ensure transparency and reproducibility of uncertainty calculations.

• Prepare a final report summarizing key findings and recommended operational changes.

• Draft a manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal summarizing key insights from the study.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Participate in bi-weekly virtual project meetings with NOAA stakeholders.

• Propose and document opportunities for additional data collection or collaborative use of sensors and equipment.

• Coordinate closely with NOAA Program Managers to refine and implement updated methodologies.

Qualifications

Qualifications of the Sensor Data Scientist selected should include the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).

• Experience in:

• Environmental or sensor data analysis

• Statistical and probabilistic uncertainty quantification

• Scientific programming (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB)

• Algorithm development and technical documentation

• Drafting reports and manuscripts for technical or scientific audiences

The Ideal Sensor Data Scientist will have the following:

• Familiarity with international standards for measurement uncertainty (e.g., GUM).

• Knowledge of oceanographic instruments or water level monitoring systems.

• Experience supporting NOAA or other federal science agencies.

 

 

About Lynker

 

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

 

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scien