Atmospheric Scientist (Associate or Mid-Level)

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Associate or Mid-Level Atmospheric Scientist (Level 2 or 3) to join our exclusive team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We are seeking a highly skilled individual with a strong background in data analysis, modeling, and simulation. This position will support the data analysis, hardware, and software development of electro-optical systems. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to advancements in technology using cutting-edge equipment at a historically significant site.

This position supports the R&D mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory Optics Division in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities. The site houses telescope research facilities ranging in size from 0.5m up to 3.5m with advanced optical systems. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting atmospheric research, data analysis products and image/signal algorithm development.

Starfire Optical Range is a world class research facility with recognized achievements, enabled by the quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of our entire team. Our team consists of engineers and technicians in all disciplines required to plan, design, integrate, and test complex optical, electronic, quantum systems to achieve research objectives.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide daily detailed forecast for night operations.

• Work with current onsite weather sensors and provide recommendations for improved site instrumentation and visualizations.

• Interpret and validate numerical weather prediction data (GFS, ECMWF, HRRR, NAM, others) and proficiently communicate the results to decision-makers.

• Assist in the development and documentation of weather requirements for telescope operations.

• Analysis, modeling, and interpretation of Adaptive Optics systems

• Model development of complex optics and optical systems.

• Evaluation and verification of optical systems performance and design.

• Perform analysis of meteorological data, write technical reports, and maintain a climatology database for the site.

• Conduct experiments with small telescopes and meteorological equipment.

• Observation and interpretation of real time digital weather radar and GOES satellite data.

• Understand relevant weather statistics and prediction indicators.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or other natural science discipline

• 2+ years of experience with data analysis of large datasets

• 2+ years of experience with computer programming in MATLAB, LabVIEW, Fortran, Java, Mathematica or C++ 2+ years of experience forecasting meteorological parameters

• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact and present technical material to internal leadership and customers

• Must be willing to work variable shifts; including day, evening, night, and weekends

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Active U.S. TS/SCI Security Clearance

• Master’s or PhD degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science

• Experience with small telescopes

• Experience with optical system design principles

• Knowledge about atmospheric optical turbulence, including Fried parameter, Isoplanatic angle, and Greenwood Frequency

• Involvement with Numerical Weather Prediction including running and programming the Weather Research Forecast model

• Experience with MODTRAN/FASCODE

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

This position is for Variable shift.

Pay and Benefits :

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Associate (Level 2) Summary pay range: $91,800 – $124,200

Mid-Level (Level 3) Summary pay range: $112,200 – $151,800

Applications for this position will be accepted until Aug. 13, 2026

Export Control Requirements:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required.

“U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details:

US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Security Clearance

This position requires an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). (A U.S. Security Clearance that has been active in the past 24 months is considered active)

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for variable shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.