Space Weather Impact Scientific Software Engineer

ERT, Inc.; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is looking for a Scientific Software Engineer to join a dynamic team supporting the Air Force Research Lab in Albuquerque. This role involves applying software engineering expertise to scientific research, developing high-quality decision tools, and collaborating closely with researchers to model the ionosphere's variability. The ideal candidate will have strong programming skills in Python and JavaScript, experience with data visualization, and a passion for translating research into practical applications. Join a mission-driven environment where your contributions will directly impact critical research initiatives and enhance operational capabilities.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid Holidays

PTO

Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Professional Development

Referral Bonuses

Qualifications

• 5+ years of software engineering experience with R2O methodology.
• Proficient in Python, C, and JavaScript in Linux environments.
• Expertise in data visualization and statistical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and model ionospheric variability for RF propagation.
• Collaborate with researchers to implement numerical analysis code.
• Optimize data pipelines for performance and scalability.

Skills

C

Python

JavaScript

GIT

Data Visualization

RESTful APIs

Node.js

Statistical Analysis

CI/CD Pipelines

Geospatial Tools

Education

BS in Computer Science

MS in Computer Science

Tools

React

D3.js

CesiumJS

MongoDB

Kubernetes

Job description

Position Description
ERT is seeking a Scientific Software Engineer with a background in space weather research and development to join a team of researchers and developers supporting the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) in Albuquerque, NM.

Apply software engineering expertise to scientific research to deliver mission-impact and high-quality software-based decision tools. The position will require working closely with AFRL ionospheric researchers to develop and model the variability of the ionosphere and quantitatively assess its impacts on RF propagation. Collaborate directly with senior researchers to achieve science modeling goals and implement numerical analysis code in production quality for transition to mission owners through a comprehensive Research-2-Operations (R2O) process. Responsibilities include writing, running, testing, improving, monitoring code, troubleshooting, and interpreting results for verification in collaboration with researchers.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in general software engineering development and familiarity with R2O methodology for mission-critical applications.
• Experience developing with C, Python, JavaScript in Linux environments.
• Proficiency with SCM best practices using GIT.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; highly motivated and adaptable in a dynamic hybrid R&D and production environment.
• Ability to interpret research ambiguity and collaborate effectively with others.
• Expertise in Python, including libraries like asyncio, Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Plotly, Geopandas.
• Strong JavaScript/TypeScript skills and experience with UI frameworks such as React, D3.js, Plotly, matplotlib.js.
• Proficiency in software engineering best practices: version control, automated testing, CI/CD pipelines.
• Hands-on experience with backend technologies like Node.js, Express.
• Knowledge of RESTful APIs, NoSQL, WebSocket technologies.
• Experience in data visualization, statistical analysis, and workflow automation.
• Ability to translate research requirements into analytical tools through collaboration with scientists.
• Optimize data pipelines for performance and scalability in local and cloud environments.
• Ensure reproducibility and accuracy of scientific computations through rigorous testing and verification.
• Document tools, workflows, and methodologies to support team collaboration and long-term usability.
• Conduct thorough testing and validation to ensure reliability and robustness of analysis and visualization tools.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a background check for SECRET clearance are required.

Desired Skills

• Proficiency with advanced geospatial visualization platforms like CesiumJS/OGC.
• Knowledge of geospatial tools and data formats such as GeoJSON, shapefiles, raster/vector data.
• Proficiency in C programming for performance-critical tasks, especially with WASM, Cython.
• Experience with CNCF stack (Container, Kubernetes, Argo, Fluentd, Prometheus, Redis, MongoDB).
• Ability to implement best practices in code quality, testing, and DevOps automation.
• Experience working in secure development environments adhering to defense standards.

Education
BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field; MS preferred.

Location
Position based at Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM, with remote work options and occasional travel to Kirtland AFB (up to 2 trips per year, 2-3 weeks each).

Salary
Range approximately $110,000 - 140,000/year, based on experience, scope, and key skills.

Benefits
Includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid holidays, PTO, life insurance, HSA, FSA, disability, EAP, tuition reimbursement, professional development, certifications, memberships, referral bonuses, and performance-based incentives.

ERT is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

#LI-Remote