Atmospheric Research Scientist

Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) is hiring an experienced Research Scientist with strong data science skills to join the Science Data Segment (SDS) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. The SDS implements advanced science algorithms to generate massive Earth Science datasets from multiple NASA and international satellite platforms. The SDS implements an adaptive processing system (APS) to produce authoritative Earth Science integrated data products from disaggregated input data.

The selected candidate will work with the science lead, science teams, and peers to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Provide subject matter expertise on atmospheric science principles to facilitate science data production in SDS
• Develop use-cases from science team algorithms to test within SDS and report on findings.
• Interpret and integrate science algorithms and perform unit and integration tests.
• Employ scientific knowledge to assess the quality of scientific algorithm results.
• Coordinate establishing metadata requirements and create production plans needed for SDS production.
• Assist SDS with developing and testing new production modules and designs.
• Troubleshoot and debug science code and processing scripts.
• Investigate ways to optimize and automate existing workflows, employing new techniques and tools.
• Review science algorithm-related and other technical documentation.
• Attend and present findings at key science team meetings and major science or data science conferences.

Required Qualifications:

• M.S. degree or equivalent in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, or related Physical Sciences from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years of experience developing and troubleshooting science-based codes and algorithms at research institutions, federal agencies, or large commercial businesses.
• Proven competency in programming and data processing in the remote sensing domain.
• 8+ years of programming and scripting experience in one or more of these languages, including Python, C, C++, Fortran and Bash.
• Knowledge of database systems like Postgres and SQL.
• Working knowledge of code versioning systems like Git and GitLab, including CI/CD production pipelines with containerization.
• Experience working in commercial cloud environments, using their respective tools to build and run algorithms, and optimizing cloud data access using data formats such as Zarr or COG or tools such as Kerchunk or VirtualiZarr.
• Self-motivated and agile; ready to learn from peers and self-study; and implement new concepts and techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to successfully engage in multiple critical projects with competing priorities, and with minimal supervision.
• U.S. Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Theoretical understanding of Remote Sensing concepts and data acquisition.
• Experience in using AI/ML to assist in data processing or interpreting physical processes of atmospheric science or related field.
• Familiarity with common spatial data formats like HDF4, HDF5 and NetCDF4.

EEO/AA Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to touch, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee frequently is required to talk and hear and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

SSAI is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
EOE, including disability/vets