Space Weather Impact Scientific Software Engineer

About the position

ERT is seeking a Scientific Software Engineer with a background in space weather research and development to join a team of researchers and developers supporting the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) in Albuquerque, NM. Apply software engineering expertise to scientific research to deliver mission-impact and high-quality software-based decision tools. The position will require working closely with AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory) ionospheric researchers to develop and model the variability of the ionosphere and quantitively assess its impacts on RF propagation. Directly collaborate with senior researchers to achieve the desired science modeling and implement necessary numerical analysis code in production quality to be transitioned to mission owners in a comprehensive Research-2-Operations (R2O) process. Responsibility will include writing code, running code, testing code reliability, improving and monitoring performance, identifying problems, and interpreting the results for verification purposes in collaboration with the researchers.

Responsibilities

• Apply software engineering expertise to scientific research to deliver mission-impact and high-quality software-based decision tools.
• Work closely with AFRL ionospheric researchers to develop and model the variability of the ionosphere.
• Quantitatively assess the impacts of the ionosphere on RF propagation.
• Collaborate with senior researchers to achieve desired science modeling.
• Implement necessary numerical analysis code in production quality for transition to mission owners.
• Write, run, and test code reliability.
• Improve and monitor performance of software tools.
• Identify problems and interpret results for verification purposes in collaboration with researchers.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in general software engineering development and familiarity with R2O methodology in delivering mission-critical system applications.
• Experience in developing with C/Python/Javascript in Linux environments.
• SCM best practices GIT is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and highly motivated and adaptable in a dynamic hybrid R&D and production environment.
• Ability to decode inherent research ambiguity to accomplish essential objectives and work well with others.
• Expertise in Python with experience in libraries like asyncio, Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Plotly, and Geopandas.
• Strong experience with core JavaScript/Typescript language and UI scientific data visualization frameworks (React, D3.js, Plotly, matplotlib.js, etc.).
• Proficiency in software engineering best practices, including version control (Git, particularly rebase method), automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Hands-on experience with backend technologies (Node.js, Express, or similar frameworks).
• Knowledge of RESTful APIs, NoSQL, or WebSocket technologies.
• Demonstrated experience in data visualization, statistical analysis, and workflow automation.
• Collaborate with scientists and domain experts to translate research requirements into effective analytical tools.
• Optimize data pipelines for performance and scalability in local and cloud environments.
• Ensure reproducibility and accuracy of scientific computations through rigorous testing and verification.
• Document tools, workflows, and methodologies to support team collaboration and long-term usability.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation to ensure accuracy, reliability, and robustness of analysis and visualization tools.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a background investigation are required to obtain a SECRET clearance to enter the government facility.

Nice-to-haves

• Proficiency with advanced geospatial visualization platforms, such as CesiumJS/OGC.
• Knowledge of geospatial tools and data formats (GeoJSON, shapefiles, and raster/vector data).
• Proficiency in C programming for performance-critical and low-level tasks especially to WASM, Cython.
• Proficiency with tech stack of CNCF (Container, Kubernetes, Argo, Fluentd, Prometheus, Redis, MongoDB, etc.).
• Ability to implement best practices in code quality, testing, and DevOps automation.
• Experience working in secure development environments and adhering to defense industry standards.

Benefits

• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Professional Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Competitive compensation plan
• Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance
• Publication and Conference Presentation Awards with bonuses