Scientific Programmer

We are seeking a Scientific Programmer to maintain, improve, and extend the Common Operations and Development Environment (CODE) and the Radar Product Generator (RPG). This role involves the "Science-to-Operations" transfer of scientific algorithms from research prototypes into operational baseline applications for the WSR-88D (NEXRAD) radar network.

Key Responsibilities

• CODE System Maintenance: Enhance and maintain the CODE software development toolkit, including documentation, web site management, tool updates, and electronic distributions.


• Algorithm Implementation: Implement validated scientific prototypes (e.g., tornado/hail detection, melting layer detection) into the operational RPG subsystem.


• Software Engineering: Develop, modify, and debug custom software across the full lifecycle, including requirements, design, test plans, and test reports.


• System Configuration: Configure and support standalone workstations running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 or CentOS Stream to serve as "RPG clones" for distributed algorithm development.


• Data Integration: Develop software to ingest and transform non-NOAA supplemental radar data for integration with NWS operational systems.

Technical Requirements

• Languages: High-level proficiency in C, C++, and Fortran.


• Scripting: Mastery of C shell (csh) and Bourne shell (bash) scripting for environment configuration and build automation.


• Operating Systems: Advanced knowledge of UNIX/Linux (specifically Red Hat Enterprise 8/CentOS Stream), including system administration, disk partitioning (LVM/XFS), and network configuration (TCP/IP).


• Tools & Utilities: Experience with GNU make, GCC compilers, and GTK for GUI development.


• Documentation: Proficiency in creating technical documentation in MS Word, HTML, and PDF

Preferred Qualifications

• Meteorology Experience: Background in Meteorology, with an understanding of base data formats (Archive II) and meteorological algorithm structures.


• Algorithm Expertise: Experience translating complex mathematical or scientific prototypes into high-performance operational code.


• Modernization Focus: While the current environment is RHEL-based, familiarity with cloud architectures is preferred to support future transitions in data dissemination and product generation methodologies.


• Security Standards: Knowledge of STIG and FISMA security requirements for government information systems.

Eligibility & Security

• Open to U.S. Citizens eligible for government facility and system access.


• Must complete mandatory cyber-security and safety training.