Commercial Data Program Ionosphere and Space Weather Modeler

Overview

Lynker, a Federal Government Contractor, is seeking to fill a full-time position supporting the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). Space Weather refers to variations in the space environment between the sun and Earth that can affect technologies in space and on Earth. Space weather is primarily driven by solar storm phenomena that include coronal mass ejections, solar flares, solar particle events and solar wind. These phenomena that are directed toward Earth are potential drivers of space weather events that can disrupt communications, satellite and airline operations, navigation and surveying systems, as well as electric power grids across large geographic regions on Earth. Space weather is a global issue and an understanding of solar storm phenomena is an important component to SWPC’s success at developing accurate space weather forecasts (event onset, location, duration, and magnitude).

 

The incumbent will support SWPC by leading advanced scientific programming and numerical analysis efforts to aid in the development and evaluation of ionospheric models and space weather forecasting systems. This includes assessing commercial radio occultation data, comparing it with other observational sources, and building robust tools for ingesting and validating these datasets for operational use. The incumbent will design and implement software for model evaluation, integrate new data sources, and support the generation of new forecast products within a collaborative research-to-operations (R2O) environment.

Responsibilities

The work will primarily include the following responsibilities:

• Perform high-level scientific programming and algorithm development focused on ionospheric modeling and space weather forecast integration.
• Evaluate new and emerging datasets (e.g., commercial radio occultation) against trusted benchmarks and support the development of quality control and bias correction techniques.
• Design, implement, and test model input/output handling systems and analysis routines on operational computing platforms.
• Lead and contribute to the development of prototype forecast guidance tools for use by forecasters and decision-makers.
• Conduct in-depth data analysis and provide scientific and technical documentation of results for transition to operations.
• Work independently and with minimal supervision while coordinating with scientists, programmers, and operational staff.

 

Qualifications

At least a Master’s Degree in Atmospheric Science, Space Science, Geophysics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related STEM field and at least 8 years of experience in related areas.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Requirements:

• Expertise in numerical modeling, scientific data assimilation, or observational data integration.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Fortran, or C/C++, and experience working in HPC or Linux environments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated ability to lead scientific analysis efforts.
• A passion for the National Weather Service mission.

• Ability to accept assigned tasking, but also engage as a creative self-starter.
• Driven by curiosity and willing to try new techniques and learn new skills.
• Ability to remain flexible as projects and tasks evolve.

Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder to qualify

(US Citizen must live in US for 3-5 years prior to application)

(Please indicate in your cover letter).

 

 

 

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' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

 

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescripti