Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Geography, GIS, Meteorology, or a related quantitative field.
2 to 5 years of professional experience in scientific programming, software engineering, or data engineering.
Hands-on experience in AWS cloud environment for hosting and managing large datasets.
Strong proficiency in manipulating Earth observation data in both raster and vector formats.
Proficient in Python and experience building RESTful APIs for data querying.
Responsibilities
Evaluate and implement cloud hosting solutions for STAR satellite products.
Design and build robust data access APIs for user-friendly dataset filtering and downloading.
Work with satellite data products in NetCDF and cloud optimized formats.
Build a prototype application for ingesting and serving datasets in various formats.
Develop QA and science maintenance capabilities for operational NOAA users.
Collaborate with Cryosphere Science Teams and NESDIS stakeholders to align cloud solutions with operational constraints.
Benefits
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge satellite data initiatives.
Collaborative environment with leading scientists and engineers.
Access to advanced cloud technologies and tools.
Potential for professional growth in a federal agency setting.
Full Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
NOAA's CoastWatch Program is seeking a Junior to Mid-Level Scientific Programmer to support a new initiative: identifying and implementing optimal methods for disseminating satellite information products via a cloud environment and function as a part of a team executing the overall CoastWatch mission.
This project focuses on hosting, distributing, and providing application-based access to STAR satellite information products. The goal is to modernize how operational end users access science-level data, ensuring that new products are readily available for user feedback to increase their operational readiness. You will help CoastWatch and PolarWatch maintain, sustain, and enhance capabilities in satellite polar oceanography and marine cryosphere data by navigating NESDIS cloud constraints, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) where appropriate, and prioritizing user-centric API solutions. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
This Scientific Programmer will work with the existing CoastWatch team in transitioning experimental and operational datasets to cloud-native delivery systems. You will be responsible for or will contribute to theser primary responsibilities, dependant upon knowledge, skills, and expertise:
Cloud Architecture & Dissemination: Evaluate and implement cloud hosting solutions for STAR satellite products, taking inspiration from existing NOAA Common Cloud Framework (NCCF) projects like the Wildland Fire Data Portal (WFDP) and the Space Weather Portal (SPOT).
API Development: Design and build robust data access APIs that allow end users to easily filter, download, and crop datasets to specific spatial and temporal regions of interest.
Geospatial Data Handling: Work extensively with satellite data products and processing in NetCDF, and cloud optimized formats (COG, ZARR, GEOTiF) for example, IceLynx data (Arctic C-band synthetic aperture radar [SAR] scenes, 6-hour, and daily mosaics).
Multi-Format Application Development: Build a prototype application capable of ingesting, fusing, and serving datasets in varying spatial and temporal resolutions, specifically handling both raster formats (e.g., NetCDF) and vector formats (e.g. Shapefiles).
Quality Assurance & Transition: Help provide "moderate assurance" services for products in transition. Develop QA and science maintenance capabilities that underpin the validity of these services for operational NOAA Line Office users.
Collaboration: Work with Cryosphere Science Teams, PolarWatch, and NESDIS stakeholders in addition to CoastWatch team members to align cloud solutions with both scientific production realities and strict operational constraints.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Geography, GIS, Meteorology, or a related quantitative field.
Experience: 2 to 5 years of professional experience in scientific programming, software engineering, or data engineering.
Cloud Computing: Hands-on experience working in AWS cloud environment to host, manage, and distribute large datasets.
Geospatial Data Expertise: Strong proficiency in manipulating and processing Earth observation data. Must have practical experience with both raster (NetCDF, HDF, GeoTIFF) and vector (Shapefile) formats.
Programming & APIs: Strong proficiency in Python (including libraries like Xarray, Rasterio, GeoPandas) and experience building RESTful APIs for data querying and subsetting.
Problem Solving: Proven ability to engineer practical, innovative solutions that balance technical constraints with end-user requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience or interest in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) solutions to geospatial data challenges.
Prior experience working with NOAA, NESDIS, or federal cloud frameworks
Knowledge of OGC (Open Geospatial Consortium) web services and standards.
The salary or salary range for this role reflects an estimated range informed by multiple compensation factors. Final offers may vary based on considerations such as relevant experience, education and training, critical skillsets, and overall business needs.
