Physical Scientist Technician I

axiomconsultants; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical/dental/life insurance

Matching 401(k) contribution

Job summary

axiomconsultants is seeking a Physical Scientist Technician I in Sterling, Virginia to provide technical support to the Sterling Field Support Center. In this role, you will assist with testing, troubleshooting, and first-tier help desk support while contributing to meteorological evaluations.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and be familiar with meteorological instrumentation. A competitive compensation package including healthcare and 401(k) contributions is offered.

Qualifications

• Obtain an upper air observing certification within 30 days of employment.
• Become a subject matter expert for Help Desk support of Upper Air systems.
• Familiarity with meteorological instrumentation.
• Demonstrated experience in installation and maintenance of instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with testing and technical troubleshooting.
• Provide first-tier help desk support.
• Conduct evaluations related to upper air observation.
• Document procedures and prepare technical reports.

Skills

Meteorological instrumentation

Upper air observation systems

Help desk operations

Data analysis

Technical documentation

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Physical Science, or related technical discipline

Tools

MS Excel

Ticketing systems

Instrumentation data interfaces

Job description

Axiom is seeking a Physical Scientist Technician I to join our team in providing technical support services to the Sterling Field Support Center (SFSC). The Physical Scientist Technician I will assist with testing and technical troubleshooting, provide first‑tier help desk support, and contribute to the development and execution of meteorological evaluations related to upper air observation.

The Physical Scientist Technician I will:

• Obtain an upper air observing certification within 30 days of employment.
  • Long‑term employment contingent on meeting this requirement.
• Become a subject matter expert for Help Desk support of Upper Air systems.
  • Work schedule will include shift work and some weekends and holidays.
    • Morning Shift - 6am-2pm EDT (5am - 1pm EST)
    • Evening Shift - 2pm-10pm EDT (1pm-9pm EST)
    • Normal Shift - ~8am-4:30pm
  • Troubleshoots problems and makes recommendations for corrective action.
  • Implement processes and procedures to complete various tests and write final reports.
  • Conduct test and evaluation activities of meteorological observing systems.
  • Prepare test plans and reports for new sensors, systems, or software.
  • Perform the installation and checkout of meteorological equipment used operationally by the NWS and in support of the SFSC test and evaluation program.
  • Perform analysis of meteorological data to determine validity and quality of the data.
  • Support and maintain instrumentation used in upper air balloon launches.
  • Document procedures, prepare technical reports, and update support materials for training and reference.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Physical Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Familiarity with meteorological instrumentation, particularly upper air observation systems such as radiosondes.
• Experience with help desk operations and service ticket resolution.
• Experience in the setup, configuration, and design of scientific tests.
• Proficiency in standard office and technical software (e.g., MS Excel, instrumentation data interfaces, ticketing systems).
• Background with LabVIEW, MATLAB, or Python.
• Demonstrated experience in the installation and maintenance of varying instrumentation and equipment (preferably meteorological).
• Strong background with the use of antenna and ground system maintenance.
• Working knowledge of measuring meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation.
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills with attention to detail in data validation and reporting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical support and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a dynamic environment.

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)