Scientific Programmer - Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Radio Occultation (RO) Data Processing

Position Description

ERT is seeking a highly skilled and motivated scientific programmer to support Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Radio Occultation (RO) data processing, cloud migration, and validation.

Duties include:

• Algorithm Development: Collaborate with the team to develop radio occultation Level-0 data decoding and unpacking module from satellite telemetry data and refine algorithms for GNSS radio occultation L1A, L1B and to L2 processing modules. The key focus will be the continuous improvement of processing techniques to enhance radio occultation retrieval product accuracy and processing efficiency.
• Support GNSS Radio Occultation Data Processing: Conduct data processing and analysis of GNSS radio occultation data to obtain precise measurements of excess phase, bending angle, and refractivity. Skills and experiences with GNSS RO data formats and software tools will be essential in this role.
• Support Cloud Migration of RO data Processing Package and Operational Processing of multi-RO Mission Data: Develop and test scalable, parallelized RO processing modules to accommodate growing RO missions, data volumes and support operational RO data production with minimal latency in the Cloud environment; develop and customize the software modules as needed to enable successful migration and optimal performance in the Cloud environment.
• Data Validation and Quality Control: Verify the accuracy and reliability of processed GNSS radio occultation data through rigorous validation procedures. Ensure the consistency and integrity of RO data results, and meet the data product release guidelines and criteria for the release of the data to users and the public.
• Work closely with other team members to support collaborative projects, contributing your expertise in GNSS radio occultation processing and its applications in atmospheric and ionospheric science.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations to effectively communicate research findings and project progress to internal and external communities.
  
  
  

Requirements

• 3 years of related work experience with proven experience in processing GNSS radio occultation data, specifically Level-0 telemetry data decoding and unpacking, from L1A and excess phase processing, to bending angle and refractivity.
• Skills and experiences with GNSS data analysis software and programming languages (e.g., Fortran, C/C , Python, or similar)
• Demonstrated expertise in atmospheric science research and a solid understanding of relevant concepts related to radio occultation and atmospheric profiling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to critically assess data and develop innovative solutions to challenges in GNSS radio occultation processing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• A track record of publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences related to GNSS radio occultation processing and atmospheric science will be an advantage.
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to enter the applicable government facility.
  
  
  

Education

PhD in Atmospheric Science, Remote Sensing, or a related field with a strong focus on GNSS radio occultation data processing

Location

Work is located in College Park, MD with flexible work schedules permitted.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $83,000 - $239,000/year. This range is a good faith estimate based on similar roles across the organization. ERT uses several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the position's scope and expected duties, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Benefits

All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Professional Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Competitive compensation plan
• Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance
• Publication and Conference Presentation Awards with bonuses
  
  
  

ERT is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Equal Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.