Hybrid Physical Scientist: Advanced Weather Model Verifier

Axiom Consultants; College Park (MD); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

401(k) matching

Job summary

Axiom is seeking a full-time Support Scientist to join the Evaluation and Verification Unit (EVU) within NOAA/NWS. The role advances object-oriented verification, supports convective-scale workflows, and evaluates AI-driven forecast systems. This hybrid position involves collaboration with WPC, NDFD, NB/M, and the METplus framework.

The candidate will develop advanced metrics, contribute to METplus, and support MEG activities, while communicating results across interagency teams and forecasters.

Qualifications

• MS in atmospheric sciences or related field with 7+ years in model analysis, evaluation, or verification.
• Experience using object-oriented verification (METplus MODE) and evaluating high-res NWP models.
• Proficiency in Python in an HPC UNIX environment for metrics and plotting.
• Proficiency with GitHub for code management and collaboration.
• Experience with GRIB2/NetCDF/HDF/BUFR data formats and METplus software.

Responsibilities

• Apply object-oriented verification methods to evaluate high-resolution model performance.
• Develop automated verification workflows for convective-scale models (RRFS/REFS/WoFS).
• Coordinate between WPC and EVU/OMD on NB/M NDFD verification topics (QPF focus).
• Develop metrics for AI/ML model verification (e.g., HRRRCast).
• Contribute METplus enhancements and visualization capabilities to the community.
• Support MEG efforts and interface with scientists and forecasters.

Skills

Python

GitHub

Verification methods

Data visualization

HTML/JavaScript basics

Education

MS in atmospheric sciences or related field

Tools

METplus

GRIB2/NetCDF/HDF/BUFR

Linux/UNIX HPC

Fortran

MATLAB

Job description

Axiom is seeking a full-time Support Scientist to join the Evaluation and Verification Unit (EVU) within NOAA/NWS. The role advances object-oriented verification, supports convective-scale workflows, and evaluates AI-driven forecast systems. This hybrid position involves collaboration with WPC, NDFD, NB/M, and the METplus framework.

The candidate will develop advanced metrics, contribute to METplus, and support MEG activities, while communicating results across interagency teams and forecasters.