Software Engineer — In Situ Atmospheric Observations & Pipelines

ECMWF; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

ECMWF is seeking a Software Engineer (A2) to join the Observations Team in Reading, UK. The role focuses on reliable acquisition, preparation and operational use of in situ atmospheric observations for forecasting and environmental monitoring.

You will coordinate data workflows and collaborate with scientists and external data providers to strengthen production systems. The team works across data assimilation, verification and AI-driven approaches, contributing to CAMS and other ECMWF services.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and maintaining data processing systems or workflows, ideally in an operational environment.
• Experience working with scientists, researchers or technical specialists to deliver robust data services or production workflows.
• Proficiency in Python and shell scripting in a Linux computing environment.
• Strong software development skills, including good practice in code quality, testing, version control and maintainability.
• Ability to understand and work with environmental or scientific data and to apply appropriate quality control and monitoring practices.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the acquisition, integration and ongoing management of in situ atmospheric composition observations from a range of providers, acting as a focal point for reliable data delivery.
• Prepare, maintain and monitor datasets for assimilation into the CAMS global atmospheric composition forecasting system, as well as for verification, diagnostics and quality assurance applications.
• Develop, test and implement improvements to operational data processing chains, including automation, monitoring and optimisation of observation handling workflows.
• Support the integration of new datasets, data formats and observing systems, ensuring quality, traceability and robustness in ECMWF’s production environment.
• Identify, analyse and resolve operational issues affecting observation processing, including contributing to on-call support when required.
• Work with scientists, software engineers, infrastructure specialists and external partners to improve data workflows and represent ECMWF in relevant technical coordination activities where appropriate.

Skills

Python

Shell scripting

Data processing

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Linux

Git

Job description

ECMWF is seeking a Software Engineer (A2) to join the Observations Team in Reading, UK. The role focuses on reliable acquisition, preparation and operational use of in situ atmospheric observations for forecasting and environmental monitoring.

You will coordinate data workflows and collaborate with scientists and external data providers to strengthen production systems. The team works across data assimilation, verification and AI-driven approaches, contributing to CAMS and other ECMWF services.