Software Engineer/Programmer II/III

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 SummaryThe 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 DescriptionJob Location: Boulder, ColoradoJob Type: Hybrid, 3 days/week minimum requirement in Boulder officePosition Type & Term: Full-Time, RegularApplication 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/CVCover 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 applicationVisa 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 referenceLEVEL IIRESPONSIBILITIESCollaborates closely with a team of atmospheric scientists to develop a sophisticatedcomputer 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, adheringto 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.Writes code with predictable failure modes to enable efficient troubleshooting anddebugging.Designs a test plan for the software.Obtains ongoing professional development and the acquisition of new skills.Exemplifies UCAR/NCAR’s institutional values of scientific excellence and integrity as wellas mutual respect, providing an example for colleagues to aspire to.Maintains all required employee certifications and training.While remaining an employee, the certifications and trainings required of all employeesshould be expected.REQUIREMENTSEducation & Experience:Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, 4-8 years OR Equivalent combination of education and experienceKnowledge/Skills/Abilities:Required:Skill in a scientific Object-Oriented programming language and a scripting languageExpertise in LINUX and software testing at the unit and integration levelsExperience working collaborativelyA thorough grasp of metadata conceptsComplete understanding of cybersecurity protocols and cloud computingDemonstrated experience with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefilesExperience in the graphical display of dataClear written and oral communication skillsExpertise with a scripting languageSoftware testing expertise at the unit and integration levelsAbility to create graphical displays of dataWorking competency with cybersecurity protocolsCloud computingOccasional travel to team meetings and workshops may be required.Desired, but not Required:Experience with Github or a comparable version control systemComfortable working in a development environment using modern software platformsExperience of satellite data processingWorking understanding of atmospheric radiative transferAtmospheric physics and scientific literacyStatistics and other mathematical conceptsWorking knowledge of satellite dynamics and terminologyExperience working in the context of structured project managementFamiliarity with netCDF or a comparable scientific data formatKnowledge of code optimization techniques and parallel processing.Hold a balanced approach to the use of AI in the modern workplaceWorking understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer and atmospheric physicsLEVEL IIIRESPONSIBILITIESCollaborates closely with a team of atmospheric scientists to develop a sophisticatedcomputer 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 comprehensive 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, adheringto 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.Writes code with predictable failure modes to enable efficient troubleshooting anddebugging.Develops a comprehensive software test plan, including the design and creation ofautomated testing tools that integrate with the development platform.Designs and creates automated testing tools for the software and how it can integrateinto the development platform.Creates tools that read the log files and pinpoint failure conditions.Generates performance diagnostics for each component of the system and identifiesopportunities to optimize the codebase.Obtains ongoing professional development and the acquisition of new skills.Exemplifies UCAR/NCAR’s institutional values of scientific excellence and integrity as wellas mutual respect, providing an example for colleagues to aspire to.Maintains all required employee certifications and training.REQUIREMENTSEducation & Experience:Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, 8-12 years or Equivalent combination of education and experienceKnowledge/Skills/Abilities:Required:Skill in a scientific Object-Oriented programming language and a scripting languageExpertise in LINUX and software testing at the unit and integration levels.Experience working collaborativelyIn-depth understanding of metadata conceptsExtensive technical expertise and competency with cybersecurity protocols and cloud computingExperience with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefiles, along with experience in the graphical display of data.Clear written and oral communication skillsExpertise with a scripting languageSoftware testing expertise at the unit and integration levelsAbility to create graphical displays of dataThorough grasp of metadata conceptsWorking competency with cybersecurity protocolsCloud computingOccasional travel to team meetings and workshops may be required.Desired, but not Required:Experience with Github or a comparable version control systemComfortable working in a development environment using modern software platformsExperience of satellite data processingWorking understanding of atmospheric radiative transferAtmospheric physics and scientific literacyStatistics and other mathematical conceptsWorking knowledge of satellite dynamics and terminologyExperience working in the context of structured project managementFamiliarity with netCDF or a comparable scientific data formatKnowledge of code optimization techniques and parallel processingHold a balanced approach to the use of AI in the modern workplaceAbility to create a GUI for data visualization at timescales useful for software debuggingWorking understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer and atmospheric physicsBenefits OverviewUCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities.UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one.Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions).10 paid holidays.12 weeks of paid parental leave.Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary.EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost.Commitment to Job Application FairnessApplicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.Some Final ConsiderationsAt NSF NCAR| UCAR | UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun’s core.Flexible WorkAt UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours.Equal Opportunity EmployerUCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.Export ControlAll positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations and work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.Work LocationUCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.AI SoftwareChatGPT and similar AI software are powerful tools that are changing the way society receives, processes, and leverages information promptly. While we acknowledge its benefits and do not restrict leveraging it with job applications, we highly encourage a majority of the applicant material to be original work. #J-18808-Ljbffr