Scientist - Microwave Cal/Val

Background
The sensor science and crosscutting technology theme within STAR supports research and development for NOAA's satellite sensor payloads, ensuring data quality and preparing for future instruments. This involves developing mathematical models and algorithms to interpret satellite measurements, enhancing our understanding of Earth's systems and their impact on weather and climate. STAR facilitates the transition of satellite data and technologies from research to applications, enabling end users to make informed decisions. STAR also collects in situ observations for sensor calibration, product validation, and data fusion with satellite measurements, aiding in the development and maintenance of satellite instruments and products while mitigating risks. These efforts help develop and sustain satellite instruments and products while reducing risks.

Job Description
ERT is seeking a Scientist to provide operational weather satellite microwave sensor calibration, validation, and science data quality analysis. The role is essential for ensuring the operational microwave instrument science data provided to various users meets the performance requirements by minimizing errors and enhancing accuracy. The candidate will develop new or use existing software tools to conduct testing, analyze data, and document findings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Calibration of Microwave Instruments: Perform calibration of microwave instruments to ensure accuracy and reliability in measurements. This involves the application of microwave calibration and radiative transfer theories, the implementation of calibration algorithms, and transition of research applications to operations.
• Testing and Diagnostics: Use existing or develop new software tools to test calibration/validation algorithms, analyze sensor data, identify performance issues, and troubleshoot anomalies.
• Documentation: Maintain and develop thought records of operational microwave instrument calibration procedures, test results, and sensor performance metrics, ensuring documentations is compliant with organization standards.
• Communication/Collaboration: Work closely with operational weather satellite instrument engineering teams and other stakeholders to ensure microwave instrument science data quality meet product requirements.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in operational weather satellite instrument calibration/validation or related areas
• 3-5 years scientific software development experiences in Linux environment
• Programming languages in IDL/Matlab, Python, FORTRAN, C/C++, Bash or equivalent

Education
MS in Atmospheric Science, Electrical Engineering, or Physics, or equivalent

Location
Work is located in College Park, MD with flexible work schedules permitted.

Salary
The salary range for this role is $83,000 - $239,000/year. This range is a good faith estimate based on similar roles across the organization. ERT uses several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the position's scope and expected duties, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Benefits
All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Professional Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Competitive compensation plan
• Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance
• Publication and Conference Presentation Awards with bonuses

ERT is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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