Software Engineer II - Model Development

Job Description Summary:

As a Software Engineer/Programmer in NCAR’s Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology (MMM) Laboratory, you will play a key role in the development, testing, documentation, maintenance, and support of the Model for Prediction Across Scales - Atmosphere (MPAS-A), an open-source, community modeling system designed for atmospheric simulation applications ranging from short-term weather to climate. You will apply your background and experience as a software engineer to:

1. Design and implement new software infrastructure as well as pre- and post-processing tools.
2. Contribute to the development of next-generation computing capabilities (including those for GPUs and other computational accelerator hardware) in collaboration with other software engineers from across NCAR.
3. Apply modern software engineering approaches to MPAS-A development.
4. Assist researchers in the incorporation of new scientific capabilities into MPAS-A.
5. Provide support to a diverse, global community of researchers working with MPAS-A.

This position is a full-time, regular role with a term of 2 years (possibility of renewal based on funding availability).

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job: Yes
Relocation Assistance Eligible: Yes
Job Location: Boulder, Colorado
Position Type & Term: Full time, Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)
Compensation Min - Mid Range: 77,377.00 USD - 96,722.00 USD

Application Notes:

1. This position will be posted until filled with priority given to applications submitted by November 17, 2023.
2. Please note, this position is open to fully remote work for the right candidate, but a strong preference exists for a hybrid employee with the ability to be onsite at least once per week.

Required application materials: (preferably in PDF Format)

1. Resume
2. Cover 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).

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

What You Will Do:

1. Refactor and improve MPAS-A software infrastructure and other scientific model code to support their use on next-generation, accelerated computing platforms. Take initiative in developing and incorporating improvements and bug fixes to the MPAS-A source code.
2. Design, develop, document, and maintain tools for data pre- and post-processing.
3. Provides software engineering recommendations and assistance to scientific staff in the development and implementation of new science capabilities in MPAS-A.
4. Collaborates with other staff to develop new automated regression testing capabilities for MPAS-A.
5. Improve and expand the documentation of existing MPAS-A software.
6. Profile and improve the computational efficiency of MPAS-A using appropriate parallelization techniques.
7. Promote the development and application of modern software development best practices in the MMM Laboratory. Provide software engineering recommendations and assistance to scientific staff in the development and implementation of new science capabilities in MPAS-A.
8. Contribute to MMM Laboratory efforts to support MPAS-A to a community of researchers, for example, by being an active participant on the MMM support forum and by participating in new user tutorials.
9. May present work at national and international conferences and workshops. May contribute to peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team:

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education and Experience (Required/Desired):

REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor's degree in computing-related field and progressive relevant experience, which is typically gained by four to eight years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:

1. Coursework or experience in undergraduate-level physics.
2. Facility with calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and statistics.
3. Experience in plotting and visualizing scientific data, or experience with graphical analysis tools.
4. Experience in numerical atmospheric (weather/climate) model development and operation.
5. Knowledge of build and test mechanism (e.g., GNU make, cmake, ctest).
6. Knowledge and experience in parallel programming and using performance profiling tools.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities (Required/Desired):

1. Demonstrated skill in developing software in a compiled language (especially C/C++ or modern Fortran), and in Python.
2. Demonstrated skill in applying the software development process, e.g., gathering and analysis of requirements, design, prototyping, code review, testing, and documentation.
3. Demonstrated ability to quickly gain detailed understanding of existing code bases.
4. Demonstrated ability to plan as well as coordinate development work and meet deliverable deadlines.
5. Demonstrated ability to debug complex software.
6. Demonstrated skill in the use of git and GitHub, GitLab, or similar platforms for source code management.
7. Advanced ability to work in a UNIX environment.
8. Ability to convey advanced technical concepts to others, including aptitude for public speaking to scientific, technical, customer/sponsor, and public audiences.
9. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Benefits Overview:

UCAR 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.

1. Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities.
2. UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one.
3. Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions).
4. 10 paid holidays.
5. 10 days of sick leave each year.
6. 14 weeks of paid parental leave.
7. Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary.
8. EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported.

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!

Some Final Considerations:

At UCAR|NCAR|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.

Flexible Work:

At 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

UCAR 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 Control:

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Visa Wait Times:

Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.