Software Engineer/Programmer II/III
UCARAbout the role
Visa Sponsored Job:
NoRelocation Assistance Eligible:
NoJob Location:
Boulder, ColoradoPosition Type:
Full time, RegularCompensation Range:
Hiring Salary Range:
$83,299 - $104,127 (Level II)
OR
$111,246 - $139,056 (Level III)
*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role.*
Job Description Summary
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 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.
Job Description
Job Location: Boulder, Colorado
Job Type: Hybrid, 3 days/week minimum requirement in Boulder office
Position Type & Term: Full-Time, Regular
Application Deadline: This position will be posted until 11:59:59 pm MDT on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Required application materials: (preferably uploaded as a PDF):
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).
- Questionnaire - embedded in the application
Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this position.
Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire.
Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.
Please note that job descriptions for both of the levels advertised in this posting (II and III) are included below for your reference
LEVEL II
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.
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