Programmer Analyst IV

Stcnet; Greenbelt (MD); On-site; USD 69,000 - 92,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

401(k) retirement plan

Unemployment insurance & workers' comp

Job summary

Science and Technology Corporation (STC) is seeking a senior software engineer to lead the software effort for CoSMIR-H and CoSSIR on a NASA aircraft. You will adapt instrument control and real-time data software, enabling remote monitoring from NASA networks and ensuring integration readiness for flight operations.

The role involves coordinating with NASA GSFC and the NASA Task Monitor, guiding the software team through integration, and supporting live flight operations with reliable, secure

Qualifications

• 10+ years of scientific programming and data analysis with leadership experience.
• Broad understanding of atmospheric science or Earth science.
• Proficiency in FORTRAN, C/C++, Java, or Python; object-oriented programming.
• IDL, MATLAB, and shell-based scripting knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Adapt instrument control software to the new airborne platform and enable remote access.
• Modify real-time data software to permit remote flight data retrieval.
• Verify function, data integrity, and latency under aircraft network conditions.
• Support instrument installation, checkout, and interface verification aboard the aircraft.
• Serve as instrument operator aboard the aircraft and provide remote support.
• Troubleshoot software and instrument anomalies during integration and flight.
• Prepare and maintain software, remote access, and operating documentation.
• Coordinate with NASA Task Monitor on priorities, schedule, and progress.

Skills

Leadership

Atmospheric science understanding

Scientific programming

Fortran

C/C++

Java

Python

IDL

MATLAB

Shell scripting

Education

MS in atmospheric science or related field

BS + 3 years relevant experience

Job description

Location

GREENBELT, MD 20771 US (Primary)

Job Type

Part-Time

50.00

67.00

Job Description

About Science and Technology Corporation (STC): Founded in 1979, Science and Technology Corporation (STC) provides award-winning scientific, engineering, and technical services to U.S. Government and industry partners. We are dedicated to advancing our customers’ missions through innovation, trusted partnerships, and science-driven engineering excellence. With integrity and precision, we deliver reliable solutions that make a real impact. At STC, we invest in our employees’ growth, well-being, and success—fostering a culture of respect, trust, and empowerment. Join our world-class team and help shape the future of science and technology.

• Employment Category: Associate (hourly; less than 30 hours per week)
• Travel: Required (field campaigns)
• Security Clearance: None
• Salary Range: $50 - $67 per hour
• Other Compensation: This position is eligible for STC’s discretionary bonus program

Job Description

STC is seeking a senior software engineer to lead the software effort preparing two NASA airborne radiometers, CoSMIR-H and CoSSIR, for deployment aboard a new NASA aircraft, and to support their operation during an upcoming airborne science campaign. The role centers on adapting instrument control and real-time data software to a new platform and network environment, establishing remote instrument monitoring and control capability, and carrying that software through aircraft integration and into live flight operations. The successful candidate will work directly with the NASA Task Monitor and the GSFC Airborne Radiometer lab, and will serve as the technical lead for all software aspects of the effort.

ATMOS is a NASA support services contract that provides advanced scientific, engineering, and technical expertise to enable Earth and space science missions. The program supports research, data analysis, technology development, and mission operations across multiple NASA centers. Through ATMOS, our teams deliver innovative solutions that help advance NASA’s mission and expand scientific discovery.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Adapt CoSMIR-H and CoSSIR instrument control software to interface with a new airborne platform, including implementation of secure remote access to both instruments from the NASA network.
• Modify existing real-time data software to enable remote monitoring and retrieval of instrument data during flight.
• Verify software functionality, data integrity, and latency under representative aircraft network conditions prior to deployment.
• Support instrument installation, checkout, and interface verification aboard the aircraft, including network and data communications testing; resolve integration findings and implement corrective software updates.
• Serve as instrument operator aboard the aircraft during science flights; provide remote instrument support during flights when not serving as the onboard operator.
• Troubleshoot software and instrument anomalies in real time during integration and flight operations.
• Prepare and maintain software, remote access, and instrument operating documentation.
• Coordinate with the NASA Task Monitor on technical priorities, schedule, and status; provide monthly progress reporting.

Job Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in scientific programming and data analysis, including five years in a leadership role.
• Broad understanding of atmospheric science or another Earth Science discipline.
• Significant experience in scientific programming in languages such as FORTRAN, C/C++, Java, and/or Python, or in software engineering and object-oriented programming.
• Proficiency in IDL, MATLAB, and/or shell-based scripts.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience developing instrument control or data acquisition software for airborne or sub-orbital scientific instruments.
• Experience implementing remote instrument monitoring and control over networked links.
• Direct experience with millimeter-wave or submillimeter-wave radiometers.
• Experience with NASA airborne science platforms and field campaign operations, including in-flight instrument operation.
• Familiarity with NASA network and IT security requirements for instrument systems.

Education:

• M.S. in atmospheric science, physical science, mathematics, or computer science, or
• B.S. degree in one of the listed disciplines, plus three years of experience relevant to the position. This experience is in addition to the experience required for the position level.
• Paid sick leave, accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours per accrual year
• 401(k) retirement plan participation upon meeting plan service requirements; STC matching contributions available to associate employees who meet the plan's 1,000-hour service threshold
• Unemployment insurance and Worker's Compensation coverage, premiums paid in full by STC
• Social Security and Medicare employer contributions

We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.