CESM Software Engineer II

UCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Retirement plan 10% base salary

20 days PTO

10 paid holidays

12 weeks parental leave

FAMLI Leave

Tuition Assistance

PSLF eligible employer

Job summary

UCAR - The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research is seeking a Software Engineer to modernize the CESM modeling ecosystem for performance, memory efficiency, and GPU portability. You will work with the Community Software Facility and CGD leadership on strategic priorities.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field with 4–8 years of relevant experience, and proficiency in compiled languages (Fortran/C/C++). Strong profiling and modernization skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer-related field and 4–8 years of experience (or equivalent).
• Experience identifying performance bottlenecks via profiling, testing, and code analysis.
• Experience with modernization strategies: refactoring, updating libraries, applying current standards.

Responsibilities

• Enhance the CESM modeling ecosystem for performance, memory reductions, and hardware portability (GPUs).
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders on changes for integration into the model.
• Review and analyze existing modeling software capabilities for structure, quality, and maintainability.
• Explore benchmarks in newer languages and stay current with tools and techniques for modernization.

Skills

Performance profiling

Modernization strategies

Software requirements analysis

Independent and team work

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Parallel programming (MPI/OpenMP/OpenA

Compiled language experience (Fortran,

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer-related field

Tools

C/C++

Job description

Position Type

Regular

Visa Sponsored Job

Yes

Relocation Assistance Eligible

Yes

Hiring Range

83,299.00 USD - 104,127.00 USD

About The Role

This position will focus on modernizing the software in CESM, a world-leading Earth system model, towards new architectures, infrastructure and computational approaches. The work will require some knowledge of algorithms, data structures, software development and hardware platforms, as well as attention to detail, and will emphasize problem solving and rapid development for the scientific community we serve. The position will interact with our Community Software Facility, as well as a variety of software engineers and scientific leadership on targeted, strategic priorities.

This Software Engineer position is part of the computer engineering group within NSF NCAR's CGD Laboratory. CGD is home to approximately 130 staff members, along with visiting researchers from around the world. Together, they advance the understanding of Earth system variability and change while addressing the risks of environmental change through collaborative, innovative, and inclusive research. More information about CGD can be found online at https://www.cgd.ucar.edu/.

Background Checks

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

Work Location

Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

Visa Sponsorship and Relocation Assistance

may be available to final candidate if eligible.

What You Will Do

Software Engineering & Optimization

• Participates in the enhancement of the CESM modeling ecosystem, targeting performance improvements, memory reductions, hardware portability (GPUs) and other key strategic needs.
• Collaborates with team members & project stakeholders on proposed changes & processes for integration into the model.

Code & Capability Analysis

• Review and analyze existing modeling software capabilities to assess its structure, quality, and maintainability.
• Document findings, proposed changes, and technical decisions to support knowledge sharing across a wide team of scientists and engineers.

Exploratory Development

• Explore & evaluate benchmarks in newer languages and paradigms
• Stay current with emerging tools, languages & techniques relevant to software modernization

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education and Experience (Required)

Bachelor's degree in computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, which is typically gained by four to eight years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Required

• Proven ability to identify performance bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and other technical limitations through profiling, testing, and code analysis.
• Ability to recommend and implement modernization strategies, including refactoring legacy code, updating outdated libraries or frameworks, and applying current development standards and best practices.
• Demonstrated skill applying the software development process, including participation in software requirements analysis and systems design
• Ability to work both independently and within a team on interesting & challenging software projects.
• Attention to detail and strong communication skills to accurately assess and convey complexities.
• Experience with at least one compiled language (Fortran, C, C++, etc)

Desired

• Familiarity with parallel programming (MPI, OpenMP, OpenACC, JAX, etc)
• Some knowledge of numerical methods, data structures and algorithms

Preferred Qualifications

Salary Range $83,299 - $104,127

• Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role.*

Benefits Overview

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary
• Time Off Plans
• Minimum 20 days of annual PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• FAMLI Leave
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer

UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information (like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions.

For sponsored positions: UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.

While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work.

All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements. All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site approximately 3 days per week.