26-120 Numerical Weather and Earth System Prediction Developer

Colorado State University; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a technical lead for numerical weather and Earth system prediction model development within the UFS framework, focusing on porting models to cloud-based architectures and optimizing performance while maintaining scientific integrity.

The role requires a MS in a related field and 3+ years in Fortran/C++, Python, HPC, and Linux environments, plus 3+ years in version control. Onsite with potential limited telework; background checks required.

Qualifications

• MS in Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, or related field required.
• 2+ years of specialized technical experience developing or maintaining Earth system models.
• 3+ years of experience with Fortran/C++, Python, HPC, and Linux computing environments.
• 3+ years of experience with version control and the software life cycle.
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident with Green Card and ability to pass NACI background check.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical implementation of modeling capabilities, infrastructure, and workflows.
• Port modeling system codes to NOAA research, development, and operational cloud architectures.
• Develop and implement code optimizations to reduce computational expense while preserving scientific quality.
• Manage code bases for which CSU GSL Physics team is lead developer and maintainer.

Skills

Fortran

C++

Python

High-performance computing

Linux

Version control

Education

MS in Atmospheric Science or Computer Science or related field

Tools

Git

MPI/OpenMPI

Cloud computing platforms

Job description

Position Summary:

The individual in this position will be a technical lead for numerical weather and Earth system prediction model development in the context of NOAA's Unified Forecast System (UFS) leveraging the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) atmospheric dynamical core. They will lead and assist the implementation of new and revised modeling capabilities, infrastructure, and workflows. A particular focus will be on porting modeling system codes to future NOAA research, development, and operational cloud-computing architectures. The individual in this position will also play a leading role in optimizing modeling system components to improve their computational efficiency while maintaining their scientific robustness and in managing the code bases for which GSL - and specifically Physics branch members - are the lead developers and maintainers. This position will report to the Ensemble Prediction Scientist.

Full Consideration Date:

Monday, 9/28/2026, 11:59 pm (MT)

Essential Job Duties:

• Be a technical lead for numerical weather and Earth system prediction system development, including leading and assisting with the technical implementation of new and revised modeling capabilities, infrastructure, and workflows.
• Port modeling system codes in support of numerical weather and Earth system prediction systems to NOAA research, development, and operational cloud-computing architectures.
• In collaboration with model, infrastructure, and physics parameterization developers, develop and implement code optimizations that reduce computational expense while maintaining scientific quality.
• Lead the code management of the model, infrastructure, and physics parameterization codes for which GSL is the lead developing entity.

Conditions of Employment:

Initially, this position will require onsite presence. If project circumstances allow and with satisfactory performance, up to 2 days per week of telework may be allowed.

This full-time position requires a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI), tier 1 federal background check and a NOAA Common Access Card (CAC) ID badge for systems access. Therefore, only US citizens and lawful permanent residents with a physical USCIS "Green Card" are eligible.

Supervision:

The individual in this position will not supervise employees.

Required Qualifications:

• A M.S. in Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, or related field
• At least two years of specialized technical experience developing, building infrastructure to support, and/or maintaining Earth system models.
• At least three years of experience with Fortran and/or C++, Python, high-performance computing (cloud and/or on-premises), and Linux computing environments.
• At least three years of experience with version control and the life cycle of complex software.
• This position requires a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI), tier 1 federal background check and a NOAA Common Access Card (CAC) ID badge for systems access. Therefore, only US citizens and lawful permanent residents with a physical USCIS "Green Card" are eligible.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with state-of-the-art operational and/or research weather prediction systems.
• Knowledge of cloud-computing environments for scientific applications.
• Knowledge of best-practices for scientific code development, optimization, and management.
• Experience communicating technical information, such as through technical reports, evaluations, and assessments, in ways that can be understood and acted upon by scientists and managers.

Salary Range:

Salary Range $100,000 - $115,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

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Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!