Job Details

CIRES/NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Scientific Software Engineer

Position Number: 6659110
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Computing - Programming/Analyst

CIRES/NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Scientific Software Engineer

Requisition Number: 67835
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 29-Oct-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU) has an immediate opening for a Professional Research Assistant (PRA) supporting the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) in Boulder, CO. As a scientific software engineer working with the space weather team in the NCEI Solar-Terrestrial Physics (STP) section, the successful candidate will support NCEI's work with the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites-R series (GOES-R), Space Weather Follow-On (SWFO), and Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR), and future satellite missions such as SOLAR. These efforts include the development of algorithms that are used for real-time and retrospective processing to provide high-quality data records for space weather instruments, and the implementation of these algorithms in scientific processing pipelines created and maintained by the space weather team. The successful candidate will be an essential member in a team of software engineers, data managers, and scientists dedicated to diverse projects to validate, process and disseminate NOAA's space weather data.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

At CIRES, more than 900 environmental science professionals work to understand the dynamic Earth system, including people's relationship with the planet. CIRES has partnered with NOAA since 1967, and our areas of expertise include weather and climate, changes at Earth's poles, air quality and atmospheric chemistry, water resources, solid Earth sciences, and more. Our vision is to be instrumental in ensuring a sustainable future environment by advancing scientific and societal understanding of the Earth system.

The NCEI STP space weather team is responsible for oversight of the NOAA space weather sensors on several satellite constellations, including GOES, DSCOVR, and SWFO. These missions provide data critical for the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) efforts to protect life and property, as well as to the broader scientific community. The space weather team's responsibilities include calibration and validation of space weather measurements and data products, development of scientific processing algorithms used in real time to produce data for forecasters, development of retrospective algorithms to create scientifically authoritative (best') products, and prototyping real-time processing systems.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Implement and help validate data processing algorithms that convert satellite-based measurements to space weather data products. (30%)
Install and maintain scientific product algorithm software within NCEI product generation environments, both on-premises and using cloud infrastructure. (15%)
Optimize algorithms to achieve required performance, based on test results and interactions with stakeholders. (15%)
Help to develop innovative solutions as NCEI transitions to cloud-based infrastructure. (10%)
Assist in the design and development of NCEI space weather product data services. (10%)
Develop and maintain software tools to support the interdisciplinary space weather team's needs. (10%)
Assist with data product visualizations. (5%)
Collaborate with and present findings to the space weather team and broader space physics community. (5%)

What You Should Know

Due to the requirement to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green cards), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or a temporary resident under amnesty provisions) are eligible for hire.
This position will be rostered in CIRES at the University of Colorado Boulder, but will be physically situated in the David Skaggs Research Center, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
If you are the selected finalist, you will be required to successfully complete a federal background clearance process for site access.

What We Can Offer

CIRES offers a generous compensation package.
The annual salary range for this position is $62,444 - $113,246.
Salary is commensurate with education and experience and determined based on our CIRES internal career track classification.
Some relocation funds are available for this position following CIRES and the University of Colorado's relocation processes and procedures.
This position offers a hybrid work environment with both on-site and remote work hours.
CIRES and the University of Colorado Boulder offer a robust training curriculum, opportunities for professional development, and a Mentorship Program.
Boulder is a vibrant community with access to mountain parks, dog parks, miles of trails, rivers, lakes, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, theaters, museums, and sports venues.
As an employee at CU Boulder, you will have free access to the regional public transit system, an outstanding network of buses, and light rail systems that service Boulder and connect to Denver, the Denver airport, and surrounding communities.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be driven. Be talented. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, any Physical Science, or similar technical discipline.
2+ years of professional experience with Python programming.

What You Will Need

Demonstrated advanced proficiency in Python and its scientific packages (e.g., NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib).
Demonstrated skill in scientific programming and analysis of environmental data, particularly in collaboration with an interdisciplinary science team.
Skill with Linux/Unix operating systems, proficiency using tools such as Bash, SSH, and command-line text editors.
Expertise in developing software using object-oriented design principles, software standard processes, and version control.
Ability to improve and maintain software authored by other parties.
Ability to write clean, self-documented code that can be maintained by other team members when necessary.
Expertise in writing unit, integration, and functional tests.
Ability to effectively work both independently and as part of a collaborative team environment.
Ability to creatively problem solve, productively manage multiple tasks, and thrive in a highly interactive team environment.
Willingness and ability to seek answers from others, and to help others with their questions.
Excellent oral/written communication skills.

Special Instructions

Please include the following materials with your application:

CV.
Cover letter addressed to the Search Committee, briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in this position.
Although not required at the time of application, please be ready to offer contact information for 3 professional references who can be contacted on your behalf if you are identified as a finalist for this role. At least one of those references will be asked to write a letter of recommendation for you in support of your application.

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

This position will close on October 29, 2025.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/CIRES-NOAA-National-Centers-for-Environmental-Information-Scientific-Software-Engineer/67835