Scientific Developer for UFS In-Core Data Assimilation

Lynker Corporation is seeking a local Scientific Developer (DC Metro area) to support the National Weather Service Office of Modeling and Development (OMD). This hybrid role focuses on advancing UFS infrastructure for next-generation in-core data assimilation, including state management and rewind, automated testing, and coupling build enablement.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new UFS Weather Model infrastructure features that support next-generation forecasting capabilities, including in-core data assimilation (DA) and high-resolution moving nests.
• Implement robust state management, including saving and advertising states to the NUOPC coupler, plus rewind capabilities that enable restarts from prior states without numerical drift.
• Extend coupling support using the Earth System Modeling Framework (ESMF).
• Design and implement automated tests to maintain the stability and robustness of state management and rewind as additional UFS Weather Model changes are introduced.
• Partner with DA teams to enable UFS and JEDI builds with in-core DA capabilities.
• Investigate and develop incorporation of incremental analysis updates (IAU) after the rewind step.
• Use modern software engineering tools, including AI-assisted coding technologies, to accelerate delivery of high-quality infrastructure and comprehensive testing strategies.
• Apply modern software development and management practices such as Git-based code management, unit testing, continuous integration, and Agile/DevOps techniques.
• Debug complex model infrastructure and integration issues as they arise, including build failures, runtime errors, and coupled system bugs.
• Maintain clear, high-quality documentation to support NWS developers.

Requirements

• Background in computer science, software engineering, meteorology/NWP, applied mathematics, or a closely related field, with demonstrated numerical modeling and scientific computing experience.
• Demonstrated experience with Earth system coupled modeling frameworks and infrastructure.
• Expertise with ESMF and NUOPC is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with the UFS Weather Model and the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) is highly beneficial.
• Expertise in modern Fortran and/or C, along with Python.
• C++ proficiency is a strong plus, especially related to data assimilation frameworks such as JEDI.
• Ability to develop and debug software on Linux or similar environments, including shell scripting or automation.
• Strong preference for experience with data assimilation systems (especially JEDI) and initialization techniques such as IAU.
• Working knowledge of modern software engineering practices including Git-based collaboration, continuous integration, testing, and documentation.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted code development for high-quality, performant code, or strong willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated experience running Earth system models on HPC platforms, including MPI distributed-memory parallelization and job schedulers such as SLURM or PBS.
• Familiarity with cross-platform package management and build/test systems, particularly CMake and CTest.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, customer-focused team and collaborate with software engineers and scientists across agencies.
• Self-starter approach to independently identify, prioritize, and execute development needs.
• Experience in Agile/Scrum environments is preferred.
• Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder.

Technologies

• Fortran, C, Python, C++
• ESMF, NUOPC
• UFS Weather Model, MPAS
• JEDI, IAU
• Linux, Git
• AI-assisted coding technologies, Agile/DevOps
• Unit testing, Continuous integration
• MPI, SLURM, PBS
• CMake, CTest
• Shell scripting/automation

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare coverage includes medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance, training, and workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System for learning at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Location and Compensation

Location: College Park, MD (hybrid)

Salary: USD 75,000 - 120,000 per year