Junior Space Weather Testbed Scientific Programmer

Lynker Corporation; United States; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare with no monthly cost

401(k) matching

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Job summary

A leading technology services firm is seeking a Junior Space Weather Testbed Scientific Programmer to develop and maintain software for space weather forecasting. This long-term contract role involves refactoring legacy code into modern applications and requires strong programming skills in Python and C++. The position supports the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and offers opportunities for remote work. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience with Docker and Git.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field.
• Proficiency in Python and C++ within Linux-based environments.
• Experience with Docker for software deployment.

Responsibilities

• Refactor legacy code into modern languages like Python or C++.
• Implement scalable software solutions for operational environments.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on software updates.

Skills

Programming in Python

C++ development

Data analysis

Workflow automation

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Docker

Git

IDL or MATLAB

Job description

Overview

Lynker is seeking a talented and motivated Junior Space Weather Testbed Scientific Programmer for a long term contract supporting the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). SWPC operates 24/7 to monitor and forecast conditions in the space environment that affect the performance and reliability of critical technologies on Earth and in space. SWPC supports national security, transportation, power grid resilience, emergency management, and commercial space operations. SWPC is also designated as one of three ICAO Space Weather Centers, supporting international aviation.

The Junior Space Weather Testbed Scientific Programmer selected, will support SWPC Testbed by developing, maintaining, and testing scientific software tools used in space weather modeling, analysis, and forecasting. This position plays a critical role in the research-to-operations (R2O) process by enabling the integration of new models, data sources, and processing workflows into operational test environments. The role requires strong programming and analytical skills, a solid understanding of geophysical or atmospheric data, and the ability to work collaboratively with scientists, developers, and operational forecasters. The Ideal Junior Space Weather Testbed Scientific Programmer will be located in the Boulder, CO, however the role could operate remotely for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Junior Space Weather Testbed Scientific Programmer selected will include the following:

• Legacy Code Refactoring: Translate, refactor, and modernize legacy scientific code written in IDL or MATLAB into modern, production-grade languages like Python or C++.
• Operational Scalability: Design and implement scalable software solutions to replace monolithic legacy products, ensuring they perform reliably in a 24/7 operational environment.
• System Integration: Assist in the migration of legacy meteorological data processing workflows into modern containerized environments using Docker.
• Validation & Quality Control: Perform rigorous data analysis to ensure that modernized software outputs remain consistent with validated legacy products.
• Interface Modernization: Contribute to the development of modern graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to replace aging visualization tools, enhancing usability for operational forecasters.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with operational staff and system engineers to ensure software updates align with SWPC operational constraints and availability requirements.

Qualifications

The Junior Space Weather Testbed Scientific Programmer selected should have the following:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, engineering, mathematics, atmospheric science, space physics, geophysics, or similar, from an accredited institution.
• • Legacy Language Proficiency: Familiarity with legacy meteorological and scientific languages, specifically IDL or MATLAB, with the ability to interpret and translate complex logic into modern languages.
  • Modern Programming: Proficiency in Python, C++ within Linux-based environments.
  • Workflow Automation: Familiarity with version control (Git) and scripting for the automation of operational workflows.
  • Communication: Demonstrated ability to document technical migrations and communicate complex software transitions to stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical and diagnostic skills for complex datasets, paired with effective written and verbal communication for delivering results.
• The Ideal Junior Space Weather Testbed Scientific Programmer will have the following:
  • Modernization Experience: Proven track record of replacing legacy scientific products with modern, scalable applications in an operational setting.
  • Containerization: Experience using Docker to deploy reproducible software packages.
  • Operational Awareness: Familiarity with the Research-to-Operations (R2O) process and the constraints of 24/7 mission‑critical environments.
  • Experience working on collaborative scientific software development projects or in a testbed environment.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or Systems design.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.