Software Engineer/Programmer II/III

National Center for Atmospheric Research

Boulder, CO

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$83,299–$104,127 Per Year

SKILLS

Air Quality, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Atmospheric Chemistry, Atmospheric Physics, Atmospheric Sciences, Background Investigation, Campaigns, Climate Change, Cloud Computing, Communication Skills, Computer Programming, Data Entry, Data Formats, Data Processing, Data Visualization, Debugging Skills, Develop Test Tools, Earth Sciences, GitHub, Graphical User Interface (GUI), Identify Issues, Import/Export Compliance, Internet Security, Linux Operating System, Literacy, Make Compilation Utility, Mathematics, Metadata, NSF Audio Formats, Object Oriented Programming (OOP) Languages, Parallel Computing, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Product Testing, Project/Program Management, Regulatory Compliance, Research Skills, SQL (Structured Query Language), Scripting (Scripting Languages), Software Debugging, Software Development, Software Engineering, Software Testing, Source Code/Configuration Management (SCM), Statistics, Team Player, Test Automation, Test Design, Test Tools, Testing, Unit Test, Value Chain Model, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills

LOCATION

Boulder, CO

POSTED

1 day ago

Visa Sponsored Job:
No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:
No

Job Location:
Boulder, Colorado

Position Type:
Full time, Regular

Compensation Range:

Hiring Salary Range:

$83,299 - $104,127 (Level II)

OR

$111,246 - $139,056 (Level III)

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role.*

Job Description Summary
The Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling (ACOM) laboratory at NCAR is dedicated to advancing our understanding of air quality and climate through comprehensive, community-driven research. ACOM's multifaceted approach encompasses the development of cutting-edge instruments, models, and facilities. ACOM builds, critically evaluates, and applies process, regional-, and global-scale models thataddress atmospheric chemistry research questions. In collaboration with NSF NCAR's Earth Observing Laboratory, ACOM scientists make available to the community a suite of airborne and ground-based requestable instruments and participate in numerous field campaigns each year.

ACOM in search of a candidate to fill either a Software Engineer/Programmer Level II or III role.

The ideal candidate must be an expert in a scientific Object-Oriented programming language and a scripting language, possessing expertise in LINUX and software testing at the unit and integration levels. The candidate must have clear written and oral communication skills and experience working collaboratively with a team of atmospheric scientists to develop a sophisticated computer program that processes satellite data to produce a higher-level data product. A thorough grasp of metadata concepts, working competency with cybersecurity protocols, and knowledge of cloud computing are required. Candidate should have facility with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefiles, along with experience in the graphical display of data. Experience with GitHub or a comparable version control system, databases and SQL, and a working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer and atmospheric physics is desirable.

Job Description

Job Location: Boulder, Colorado

Job Type: Hybrid, 3 days/week minimum requirement in Boulder office

Position Type & Term: Full-Time, Regular

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until 11:59:59 pm MDT on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Required application materials: (preferably uploaded as a PDF):

Resume/CV
Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).
Questionnaire - embedded in the application

Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this position.

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire.
Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

Please note that job descriptions for both of the levels advertised in this posting (II and III) are included below for your reference

LEVEL II
RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborates closely with a team of atmospheric scientists to develop a sophisticated
computer program that accepts satellite and necessary ancillary data, produces a higher-
level data product, and functions as an essential step in the value chain.
Conducts product testing to confirm integrity and validity.
Engages in regular team meetings and provides consistent updates on project progress.
Articulates technical details clearly and presents findings to diverse audiences.
Develops code that ensures seamless integration into a larger processing system, adhering
to all agreed-upon initiation sequences and exit codes.
Tests programs extensively to ensure reliable function under a wide range of conditions,
including corrupted or incomplete input data.
Writes code with predictable failure modes to enable efficient troubleshooting and
debugging.
Designs a test plan for the software.
Obtains ongoing professional development and the acquisition of new skills.
Exemplifies UCAR/NCAR's institutional values of scientific excellence and integrity as well
as mutual respect, providing an example for colleagues to aspire to.
Maintains all required employee certifications and training.
While remaining an employee, the certifications and trainings required of all employees
should be expected.

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, 4-8 years OR Equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Required:

Skill in a scientific Object-Oriented programming language and a scripting language
Expertise in LINUX and software testing at the unit and integration levels
Experience working collaboratively
A thorough grasp of metadata concepts
Complete understanding of cybersecurity protocols and cloud computing
Demonstrated experience with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefiles
Experience in the graphical display of data
Clear written and oral communication skills
Expertise with a scripting language
Software testing expertise at the unit and integration levels
Ability to create graphical displays of data
Working competency with cybersecurity protocols
Cloud computing
Occasional travel to team meetings and workshops may be required.

Desired, but not Required:

Experience with Github or a comparable version control system
Comfortable working in a development environment using modern software platforms
Experience of satellite data processing
Working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer
Atmospheric physics and scientific literacy
Statistics and other mathematical concepts
Working knowledge of satellite dynamics and terminology
Experience working in the context of structured project management
Familiarity with netCDF or a comparable scientific data format
Knowledge of code optimization techniques and parallel processing.
Hold a balanced approach to the use of AI in the modern workplace
Working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer and atmospheric physics

LEVEL III
RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaborates closely with a team of atmospheric scientists to develop a sophisticated
computer program that accepts satellite and necessary ancillary data, produces a higher-
level data product, and functions as an essential step in the value chain.
• Conducts comprehensive product testing to confirm integrity and validity.
• Engages in regular team meetings and provides consistent updates on project progress.
• Articulates technical details clearly and presents findings to diverse audiences.
• Develops code that ensures seamless integration into a larger processing system, adhering
to all agreed-upon initiation sequences and exit codes.
• Tests programs extensively to ensure reliable function under a wide range of conditions,
including corrupted or incomplete input data.
• Writes code with predictable failure modes to enable efficient troubleshooting and
debugging.
• Develops a comprehensive software test plan, including the design and creation of
automated testing tools that integrate with the development platform.
• Designs and creates automated testing tools for the software and how it can integrate
into the development platform.
• Creates tools that read the log files and pinpoint failure conditions.
• Generates performance diagnostics for each component of the system and identifies
opportunities to optimize the codebase.
• Obtains ongoing professional development and the acquisition of new skills.
• Exemplifies UCAR/NCAR's institutional values of scientific excellence and integrity as well
as mutual respect, providing an example for colleagues to aspire to.
• Maintains all required employee certifications and training.

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, 8-12 years or Equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Required:

Skill in a scientific Object-Oriented programming language and a scripting language
Expertise in LINUX and software testing at the unit and integration levels.
Experience working collaboratively
In-depth understanding of metadata concepts
Extensive technical expertise and competency with cybersecurity protocols and cloud computing
Experience with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefiles, along with experience in the graphical display of data.
Clear written and oral communication skills
Expertise with a scripting language
Software testing expertise at the unit and integration levels
Ability to create graphical displays of data
Thorough grasp of metadata concepts
Working competency with cybersecurity protocols
Cloud computing
Occasional travel to team meetings and workshops may be required.

Desired, but not Required:

Experience with Github or a comparable version control system
Comfortable working in a development environment using modern software platforms
Experience of satellite data processing
Working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer
Atmospheric physics and scientific literacy
Statistics and other mathematical concepts
Working knowledge of satellite dynamics and terminology
Experience working in the context of structured project management
Familiarity with netCDF or a comparable scientific data format
Knowledge of code optimization techniques and parallel processing
Hold a balanced approach to the use of AI in the modern workplace
Ability to create a GUI for data visualization at timescales useful for software debugging
Working understanding of atmospheric radiative transfer and atmospheric physics

Benefits Overview

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities.
UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one.
Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions).
10 paid holidays.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary.
EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost.

Commitment to Job Application Fairness

Applicants are not required to provide age or age-related information and may redact information related to age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution from any submissions during the initial application process.

Some Final Considerations

At NSF NCAR| UCAR | UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun's core.

Flexible Work

At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid (three days per week) and/or flexible work hours.

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.

Export Control

All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations and work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.

Work Location

UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

AI Software

ChatGPT and similar AI software are powerful tools that are changing the way society receives, processes, and leverages information promptly. While we acknowledge its benefits and do not restrict leveraging it with job applications, we highly encourage a majority of the applicant material to be original work.

About the Company

National Center for Atmospheric Research

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