Senior Lightning Scientist

AccuWeather; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading weather company in Centre County, State College is seeking a Senior Lightning Scientist to enhance lightning detection and analysis capabilities. This role requires a deep understanding of lightning physics and expertise in RF systems. Candidates should hold an advanced degree and have experience in algorithm development and data analysis. The position involves collaboration with multiple teams to deliver innovative solutions in lightning intelligence. Join us to drive significant advancements in lightning detection technologies.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Atmospheric Science or related field.
• Deep understanding of lightning physics.
• Experience with RF systems and signal processing.

Responsibilities

• Analyze RF signals for lightning detection.
• Develop and validate algorithms for geolocation.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on sensor design.

Skills

Lightning physics

RF systems

Signal processing

Algorithm development

Data analysis

Education

PhD or MS in Atmospheric Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Geophysics

Tools

Python

C++

Job description

Overview

The Senior Lightning Scientist is a subject-matter expert responsible for advancing AccuWeather’s lightning detection, analysis, and interpretation capabilities. This role combines deep scientific understanding of lightning physics with practical expertise in RF systems, sensor networks, and algorithm development. The Senior Lightning Scientist plays a critical role in improving lightning detection accuracy, developing new methodologies, guiding technical strategy, and collaborating across science, engineering, and product teams to deliver industry-leading lightning intelligence products.

Working closely with data science, hardware, and software engineering teams, this role drives innovation in lightning detection technologies, signal processing, and real-time analysis systems that support AccuWeather’s operational, commercial, and public safety offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical and scientific authority on lightning physics, detection methodologies, and operational interpretation.
• Lead the development, evaluation, and improvement of lightning detection algorithms using techniques such as TOA, TDOA, interferometry, and hybrid approaches.
• Analyze RF signals across relevant frequency bands used in lightning detection, including waveform characterization, noise mitigation, and signal classification.
• Collaborate with hardware and electrical engineering teams on sensor design, RF front-end considerations, antenna design, placement, and calibration strategies.
• Develop and refine signal processing pipelines for real-time and post-processed lightning data.
• Design, test, and validate algorithms for lightning geolocation, flash clustering, classification (e.g., CG vs IC), and quality control.
• Evaluate network performance, detection efficiency, location accuracy, and timing precision using ground truth and statistical methods.
• Contribute to the integration of lightning data into forecasting, nowcasting, severe weather detection, and machine learning systems.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to scientists and engineers working on lightning-related systems.
• Document methodologies, assumptions, system limitations, and scientific findings for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with product, operations, and research teams to translate scientific advances into scalable, customer-facing solutions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD or MS with significant experience) in Atmospheric Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Geophysics, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of lightning physics, electromagnetic emissions from lightning, and storm electrification processes.
• Strong background in RF systems, signal processing, and spectral analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with lightning detection techniques such as TOA, TDOA, interferometry, or related geolocation methods.
• Proficiency in algorithm development and data analysis using Python, C++, or similar scientific computing environments.
• Experience working with large-scale, real-time observational data systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific and technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing or working directly with lightning detection hardware, sensors, or ground-based networks.
• Background in antenna theory, antenna design, and RF propagation effects.
• Familiarity with FPGA, SDR, or embedded systems used in RF signal acquisition.
• Experience with cloud-based data platforms and high-throughput data processing pipelines.
• Published research or patents related to lightning detection, RF sensing, or atmospheric electricity.
• Experience collaborating with operational forecasting or severe weather teams.
• Familiarity with machine learning applications applied to lightning or RF signal classification.

About AccuWeather

AccuWeather, recognized and documented as the most accurate and most used source of weather forecasts and warnings in the world, has saved over 12,000 lives, prevented injury to over 100,000 people, and saved companies tens of billions of dollars through better planning and decision-making.

Billions of people around the world rely on AccuWeather’s proven Superior Accuracy across our consumer digital platforms. AccuWeather.com is the #1 weather destination and one of the top 100 most-visited websites in the world, and our award-winning AccuWeather app delivers detailed real-time forecasts to millions of smartphones.

AccuWeather forecasts also appear on digital signage, in 700 newspapers, are heard on over 400 radio stations, and viewed on 100 television stations. The AccuWeather Network and AccuWeather NOW reach an audience of over 125 million on cable and streaming platforms including DirecTV, Charter Communications - Spectrum, Verizon, Philo, Frndly TV, Comcast’s Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Stream, Roku, Xumo, Rockbot, LG, and Amazon Freevee.

AccuWeather For Business serves more than half of the Fortune 500 companies and thousands of other businesses and government agencies globally.

Dr. Joel Myers, Founder and Executive Chairman, established AccuWeather in 1962 and is considered the “father of modern commercial meteorology.”

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

AccuWeather is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity to all applicants and existing employees and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity/expression), sexual orientation, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religion, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. AccuWeather is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.