Physical Scientist for EVU Regional verification

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

Overview

Axiom is seeking a full-time Support Scientist to join the Evaluation and Verification Unit (EVU) within the NOAA/NWS Office of Modeling and Development (OMD). Working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment, this position will advance object-oriented verification techniques, support customized workflows for regional and convective-scale models, and evaluate next-generation AI-driven forecast systems. The scientist will serve as a key technical liaison for quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) verification topics while contributing to the community-based METplus software framework and supporting operational model evaluation efforts.THIS IS A HYBRID ROLE.

Responsibilities

The candidate will perform job duties in a collaborative, team-oriented, and initiative-driven manner across the following key areas:

The successful candidate will work in the following areas:

• Object-Oriented & High-Resolution Model Verification: Investigate and apply object-oriented verification methods (e.g., METplus MODE) to evaluate high-resolution model performance and improve spatial skill assessment.
• Convective & Rapid-Refresh Workflow Development: Work closely with developers on systems like RRFS, REFS, and WoFS to create customized, automated verification workflows tailored specifically for model development purposes.
• Interagency & Operational Liaison: Act as a key technical liaison between the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) and EVU/OMD on National Blend of Models (NBM) and National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) verification topics, with a primary focus on quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF).
• AI & Next-Gen Model Evaluation: Develop advanced metrics and methods for high-resolution AI/ML model verification and evaluation (e.g., HRRRCast).
• Community Software & METplus Collaboration: Actively support and contribute innovative verification metrics, code enhancements, and graphics capabilities to the community-based METplus verification framework.
• Operational & Science Team Support: Support the team's Model Evaluation Group (MEG) efforts, interact with NWS/NCEP domain scientists, adhere to NOAA/

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have the following required qualifications:

• An M.S. (or equivalent experience) in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, scientific programming, mathematics, or a related physical science with 7+ years of experience in numerical model analysis, evaluation, or verification.
• Demonstrated experience using object-oriented verification techniques (such as METplus MODE) and evaluating high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.
• Extensive experience working with Python in a high-performance computing (HPC) UNIX environment to calculate verification metrics and generate custom visual plots.
• Demonstrated proficiency using GitHub to manage software repositories, code versions, and collaborative projects.
• Proven experience working with common meteorological data formats (e.g., GRIB2, NetCDF, HDF, BUFR) and model verification software systems (specifically METplus).
• Strong team-player mindset with demonstrated skill in communicating technical results effectively across interagency teams, developers, and operational forecasters.
• Some knowledge of using web page technology and common languages (e.g., HTML, Javascript) to display plots of verification data.
• Ability to analyze/plot and verify model output independently.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex problems.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder to and must live in US for 3-5 years prior to application

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience developing customized verification workflows or evaluation tools for convective-scale/rapid-refresh models and ensembles (e.g., RRFS, REFS, WoFS, or HRRR).
• Familiarity with evaluating AI/ML weather models (e.g., HRRRCast) or developing new metrics for machine learning forecast systems.
• Experience in precipitation verification topics (QPF) and working with operational datasets/systems like the National Blend of Models (NBM) or National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD).
• Knowledge of Fortran, web technologies (HTML, JavaScript) for web page plotting, or legacy display tools (GrADS, GEMPAK, MATLAB).
• Familiarity with National Weather Service operational centers, OMD workflows, or operational forecasting environments.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of statistical principles and strong analytical skills.
• A passion for the National Weather Service mission.
• Ability to accept assigned tasking, but also engage as a creative self-starter.
• Driven by curiosity and willing to try new techniques and learn new skills.
• Ability to remain flexible as projects and tasks evolve.

Axiom offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive medical/dental/life insurance and matching 401(k) contribution.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)