Operational Applications Developer

Lynker, a Federal Government Contractor, is seeking a talented Operational Applications Developer to fill a full-time position supporting the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). SWPC operates 24/7 to monitor and forecast conditions in the space environment that affect the performance and reliability of critical technologies on Earth and in space. SWPC supports national security, transportation, power grid resilience, emergency management, commercial space operations, and international aviation services.

The Operational Applications Developer will support the development, testing, deployment, modernization, and sustainment of operational applications used by the Space Weather Forecast Office and related SWPC operational teams. This position is focused on Python-based application and API development, delivery of applications into production, legacy application modernization, cloud transition, containerization, change and configuration management.

Duties of the Operational Applications Developer will include the following:

• Develop, test, deploy, and maintain operational applications supporting SWPC forecast operations, data integration, product generation, workflow automation, and mission support functions.
• Write, refactor, debug, and maintain Python-based application code, scripts, backend services, APIs, and workflows supporting operational space weather applications.
• Support modernization of legacy applications by assisting with code refactoring, updates containerization, database integration, and preparation for cloud transition.
• Support delivery of applications into production environments by assisting with testing, deployment preparation, stakeholder coordination, and post-release monitoring.
• Assist with containerization of applications and services using Docker or equivalent technologies to improve portability, reproducibility, scalability, and cloud readiness.
• Support application integration with AWS services, cloud-ready infrastructure, data storage platforms, monitoring tools, and deployment pipelines under the guidance of senior developers and infrastructure staff.
• Work with relational and non-relational data stores, including SQL-based databases and platforms such as PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, MongoDB, or equivalent systems.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of APIs, data processing workflows, application interfaces, dashboards, and backend services that support operational data exchange and decision support.
• Support change and configuration management activities by documenting application changes, tracking releases, maintaining version control, supporting configuration baselines, and following established operational deployment processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve application issues involving code defects, data flow interruptions, deployment problems, configuration issues, database errors, API failures, container issues, and operational workflow disruptions.

The Operational Applications Developer selected should have the following:

At least a Bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science, space physics, geophysics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, information systems, or a related STEM discipline, and at least 5 years of experience in related areas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Requirements

• Proficiency in Python programming, scripting, debugging, and application support in Linux-based or server-based environments.
• Familiarity with software development practices, including Git-based version control, code review, issue tracking, testing, documentation, and release support.
• Familiarity with containerization technologies such as Docker or equivalent tools.
• Basic understanding of cloud concepts, AWS services, cloud-ready application design, deployment pipelines, and application modernization patterns.
• Familiarity with relational databases, SQL queries, PostgreSQL or equivalent platforms, and general database troubleshooting concepts.
• Familiarity with non-relational or document/key-value databases such as DynamoDB, MongoDB, or equivalent systems.
• Ability to assist with development and maintenance of APIs, backend services, automation scripts, data processing workflows, and operational tools.
• Ability to document incidents, service requests, changes, configuration items, and application support activities in an ITSM platform such as ManageEngine.

The Ideal Operational Applications Developer will have the following:

• Experience supporting operational forecasting, scientific computing, environmental prediction, space weather, weather, aviation, emergency management, or other mission-critical operational environments.
• Experience modernizing legacy applications through refactoring, database migration, containerization, API development, or cloud transition support.
• Familiarity with scientific datasets, time-series data, JSON, NetCDF, HDF5, HAPI, or related environmental data formats. 
• Experience with Agile SCRUM, Kanban, GitLab, or equivalent development platforms.
• Experience supporting applications in high-availability or 24/7 operational environments where reliability, maintainability, documentation, and rapid troubleshooting are essential.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.