Operational Oceanographer (NOW Systems)

NOLOGIN; Madrid; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

NOW Systems is seeking a senior ocean software developer to design, build, and operate production suites for ocean monitoring and forecasting. Based in Madrid, you will contribute to EMODNET-Ingestion and Copernicus Marine COLAB-MFC services and focus on data stewardship of in-situ observations, while integrating external forecast products.

The role requires a Master’s in oceanography/geophysics/engineering or related field, strong Python/R skills, databases, and experience with ocean data

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in oceanography, geophysics, or engineering or related field.
• Strong programming in Python and R, plus shell scripting and Git.
• Knowledge of PostgreSQL/PostGIS, MySQL, SQL Server for oceanographic datasets.
• Experience with NetCDF, GRIB, ZARR, HDF5, CSV, SeaDataNet formats.
• Fluent English; Spanish valued; data stewardship and collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and operate production suites for ocean monitoring and forecasting.
• Contribute to delivery of operational services with EMODNET-Ingestion and Copernicus Marine COLAB-MFC.
• Focus on data stewardship for in-situ ocean observations from EMODNET and Copernicus Marine InSitu.
• Support integration of external regional ocean forecast products into Copernicus Marine COLAB-MFC.

Skills

Python

R

shell scripting

Geospatial analysis

Data quality

Ocean observing systems knowledge

Technical documentation

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in oceanography, geophysics, or engineering

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field

Tools

Git

PostgreSQL/PostGIS

MySQL

SQL Server

NetCDF

GRIB

ZARR

HDF5

CSV

SeaDataNet formats

Job description

NOW Systems is looking for a talented professional. We are seeking a senior STEM professional profile interested in developing and operating production suites that support ocean monitoring and forecasting services. The successful candidate will join NOW Systems in a full-time permanent position, contributing to the delivery of our operational services within the framework of the EMODNET-Ingestion and Copernicus Marine Services, particularly on its COLAB MFC component, while also collaborating on other NOW Systems initiatives. The candidate will work as an ocean software developer, and his/her activity will primarily focus on data stewardship for in-situ ocean observations, specially using EMODNET and Copernicus Marine InSitu data sources, while also supporting the integration of external regional ocean forecast products into the Copernicus Marine within its COLAB MFC Service. The ideal candidate will have the following Skills & Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in oceanography, geophysics, or engineering; Computer Science, Data Science, or related field.
• Strong proficiency in programming and scripting languages, including Python, R and shell scripting, as well as experience with version control systems (such as Git)
• Knowledge of relational databases, including PostgreSQL/PostGIS, MySQL, SQL server, applied to oceanographic datasets.
• Knowledge of ocean data formats, including NetCDF, GRIB, ZARR, HDF5, CSV, and SeaDataNet formats.
• Familiarity with statistical techniques for geospatial and oceanographic datasets.
• Additional expertise on the use or development of operational oceanography tools and systems, including data visualization tools, will be positively evaluated.
• Fluency in English is required; fluency in Spanish will also be valued.
• The candidate should be rigorous, creative and collaborative, with a strong motivation to contribute to an ambitious international framework for pan-European operational oceanographic Services, such as Copernicus Marine or EMODNET.

Professional Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to data quality
• Knowledge of marine observing systems and oceanographic workflows
• Effective communication and technical documentation skills
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary and international environments.

About NOW Systems:

NOW Systems -Nologin Oceanic Weather Systems- is a technology company with multi-disciplinary capabilities in oceanography. It delivers science-based operational services that improve our knowledge of the past, present, and future state of the ocean. NOW Systems develop and implement operational services based on regional/coastal models and observational products, builds applications that provide intuitive and inspiring access to environmental data, and delivers technical solutions that support more efficient, informed, and sustainable decision-making across the Blue Economy. NOW Systems has a strong engagement with the Copernicus Marine Service, being operational provider in several of its Production Centres and services, including the IBI-MFC, INS-TAC, OC-TAC, COLAB-MFC, and PQ-D. Beyond Copernicus Marine, NOW also delivers tailored coastal solutions, by integrating data from multiple sources -including near-real-time monitoring and high-resolution coastal forecasting systems- to support the development of operational early warning systems.

Job Conditions and location.

The selected candidate will work in a highly multidisciplinary environment, in close collaboration with NOW System’s staff, as well as with scientific and technical experts from the European EMODNET Ingestion Project and the Copernicus Marine (COLAB MFC) Service. The position is based at NOW Systems’ office in Madrid, so candidates should ideally reside in the city or nearby. The selected candidate will work in a smart-working environment, with flexible scheduling and the possibility of remote work. The successful candidate will be hired by NOW Systems in accordance with the company’s recruitment policies. Remuneration will be aligned with the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Position Closing Date: 15th October, 2026.