Meteorologist III - ASOS Test Lead

ASOS Test Lead - Meteorologist III

Axiom is seeking an ASOS Test Lead - Meteorologist III to join our team in providing technical support services to the Sterling Field Support Center (SFSC). This program's overall objective is to operate and maintain a state-of-the-art meteorological laboratory/facility for the evaluation and life cycle support of equipment and software used to make meteorological observations.

Responsibilities of the ASOS Test Lead include overseeing staff who will investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpreting meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses.

This position requires a BS degree (or equivalent) in Meteorology, MS desired and 6 or more years of experience with weather data collection systems.

System Description

The Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) is a meteorological data collection system located at approximately 900 airports across the United States. Its purpose is to collect airport weather data (temperature, dewpoint, precipitation, etc.) for use by pilots and airport authorities in aviation weather. The current ASOS system was deployed in the early 1990's and much of the hardware is either obsolete or being phased out of production. With critical dependencies on the surface meteorological data provided by ASOS, the program has entered a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). As a result, a new, more modern hardware and software package is being developed and will require extensive testing and support prior to deployment into the field to replace the legacy ASOS.

Position Description

The ASOS Test Lead supports the life cycle of a meteorological observing system from design to deployment. The meteorologist performs scientific environmental tests, analyzes test data, develops test reports and technical material for observing systems, supports the field as a Subject Matter Expert, and deploys and trains field personnel on observing systems. Specific duties include but are not limited to:

• Obtain a Surface Observation Certification within 30 days of employment (long-term employment contingent on meeting this requirement)
  • Will also be required to demonstrate proficiency on multiple systems
• Test and analyze surface observation software, hardware, and equipment
• Record and analyze meteorological and engineering data from primarily surface based meteorological systems and sensors both at the SFSC and at remote test sites
• Evaluate sensors and system performance with respect to NWS specifications and requirements.
• Perform real-time on-site and remote clinical weather observations in support of meteorological sensor testing during non-business hours/weekends/holidays
• Become a subject matter expert for Help Desk-style support of the surface systems
• Conducting scientific environmental tests using radiosondes and laboratory equipment
• Develop, maintain, and modify meteorological algorithms
• Prepare test plans, test reports, various support documentation, and training materials
• Provide status briefings to government clients on the progress of testing
• Participate in on-site tours of the facility to outside entities
• Assist with training new ASOS employees
• Implementation of new surface assets: development and research for implementation, installation, and testing
• Perform installations and training of new systems at NWS locations
• Personnel may be required to assist with Chamber and Laboratory testing- Individuals would be trained and certified on the equipment to complete this if tasking is assigned.
• Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Meteorology, Earth Science, or similar engineering or science discipline
• 6 or more years in overseeing staff and delegating tasks accordingly to meet the mission of the test
• 6 or more years of experience setting up scientific tests
• 6 or more years utilizing data analysis tools such as MS Excel, MATLAB, or Python to perform statistical analysis of data

Desired Skills

• Scientific writing experience
• Scientific testing experience
• Procedural drafting & editing
• Understanding of Upper Air meteorological sensors and NWS Observing Programs
• Understanding of NWS field operations and deployment strategies and methods
• Ability to work with an inter-disciplinary and diverse team of scientists and technicians
• Ability to multi-task and have outstanding verbal and written communication (MS Office)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Completing field and outdoor work in all weather conditions
• Customer Service- willing to work with sites in all situations

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)