What are the responsibilities and job description for the Software Engineer/Programmer II/III position at UCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research?
Visa Sponsored Job:
No
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
No
Job Location:
Boulder, Colorado
Position Type:
Full time, Regular
Compensation Range:
Hiring Salary Range:
$83,299 - $104,127 (Level II)
OR
$111,246 - $139,056 (Level III)
The 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 Description
Job Location: Boulder, Colorado
Job Type: Hybrid, 3 days/week minimum requirement in Boulder office
Position Type & Term: Full-Time, Regular
Application 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):
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 reference
LEVEL II
RESPONSIBILITIES
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, 4-8 years OR Equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Required:
RESPONSIBILITIES
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, 8-12 years or Equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Required:
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. These include:
Applicants 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 Considerations
At 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 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. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours.
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 and work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.
Work Location
UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.
AI Software
ChatGPT 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.
No
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
No
Job Location:
Boulder, Colorado
Position Type:
Full time, Regular
Compensation 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.*
The 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 Description
Job Location: Boulder, Colorado
Job Type: Hybrid, 3 days/week minimum requirement in Boulder office
Position Type & Term: Full-Time, Regular
Application 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/CV
- 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).
- Questionnaire - embedded in the application
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 reference
LEVEL II
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborates closely with a team of atmospheric scientists to develop a sophisticated computer 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, adhering to 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 and debugging.
- 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 well as 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 employees should be expected.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, 4-8 years OR Equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Required:
- Skill in a scientific Object-Oriented programming language and a scripting language
- Expertise in LINUX and software testing at the unit and integration levels
- Experience working collaboratively
- A thorough grasp of metadata concepts
- Complete understanding of cybersecurity protocols and cloud computing
- Demonstrated experience with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefiles
- Experience in the graphical display of data
- Clear written and oral communication skills
- Expertise with a scripting language
- Software testing expertise at the unit and integration levels
- Ability to create graphical displays of data
- Working competency with cybersecurity protocols
- Cloud computing
- Occasional travel to team meetings and workshops may be required.
- Experience with Github or a comparable version control system
- Comfortable working in a development environment using modern software platforms
- Experience of satellite data processing
- Working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer
- Atmospheric physics and scientific literacy
- Statistics and other mathematical concepts
- Working knowledge of satellite dynamics and terminology
- Experience working in the context of structured project management
- Familiarity with netCDF or a comparable scientific data format
- Knowledge of code optimization techniques and parallel processing.
- Hold a balanced approach to the use of AI in the modern workplace
- Working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer and atmospheric physics
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborates closely with a team of atmospheric scientists to develop a sophisticated computer 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, adhering
- Tests programs extensively to ensure reliable function under a wide range of conditions,
- Writes code with predictable failure modes to enable efficient troubleshooting and
- Develops a comprehensive software test plan, including the design and creation of
- Designs and creates automated testing tools for the software and how it can integrate
- Creates tools that read the log files and pinpoint failure conditions.
- Generates performance diagnostics for each component of the system and identifies
- Obtains ongoing professional development and the acquisition of new skills.
- Exemplifies UCAR/NCAR’s institutional values of scientific excellence and integrity as well
- Maintains all required employee certifications and training.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, 8-12 years or Equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Required:
- Skill in a scientific Object-Oriented programming language and a scripting language
- Expertise in LINUX and software testing at the unit and integration levels.
- Experience working collaboratively
- In-depth understanding of metadata concepts
- Extensive technical expertise and competency with cybersecurity protocols and cloud computing
- Experience with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefiles, along with experience in the graphical display of data.
- Clear written and oral communication skills
- Expertise with a scripting language
- Software testing expertise at the unit and integration levels
- Ability to create graphical displays of data
- Thorough grasp of metadata concepts
- Working competency with cybersecurity protocols
- Cloud computing
- Occasional travel to team meetings and workshops may be required.
- Experience with Github or a comparable version control system
- Comfortable working in a development environment using modern software platforms
- Experience of satellite data processing
- Working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer
- Atmospheric physics and scientific literacy
- Statistics and other mathematical concepts
- Working knowledge of satellite dynamics and terminology
- Experience working in the context of structured project management
- Familiarity with netCDF or a comparable scientific data format
- Knowledge of code optimization techniques and parallel processing
- Hold a balanced approach to the use of AI in the modern workplace
- Ability to create a GUI for data visualization at timescales useful for software debugging
- Working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer and atmospheric physics
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. 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.
Applicants 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 Considerations
At 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 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. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours.
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 and work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.
Work Location
UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.
AI Software
ChatGPT 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.
Salary : $83,299 - $104,127