Software Engineer II - WRF

• Python Migration: Replace legacy plotting scripts with optimized, modern alternatives to support research-based and operational forecasting tools.
• Initialization Upgrades: Participate in transitioning initialization data for the WRF model, benchmarking performance and integrating workflow changes onto high-performance cluster environments.
• Code Optimization: Evaluate performance impacts across data post-processing workflows.

Model Workflows & Upgrades

• Periodically upgrade the WRF model used in both research and operations
• Troubleshoot model issues as they arise
• Establish systematic versioning on GitHub to organize the different software versions
• Provide insights on memory, compute, and workflow bottlenecks to inform future HPC hardware specifications.

System Monitoring & Reliability Tools

• Maintain and update an automated notification system to alert sysadmins and forecasters to operational model delays or failures.
• Maintain and update intuitive, web-based status dashboards enabling real-time product tracking for forecasters.
• Monitor real-time systems, ensure continuous pipeline reliability, and interface with university and private sector partners.

Technical Documentation

• Maintain/update clear, high-level architecture documentation for the WRF ensemble and custom post-processing pipelines as they are modernized.

Who We’d Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in computer-related field and progressive relevant experience, which is typically gained by four to eight years of experience;
• or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required)

• Demonstrated skill in Python and/or other scripting languages.
• Demonstrated skill in Shell scripting languages.
• Demonstrated skill in GIT and/or other code management practices and software.
• Skill in real-time operational systems and software development.
• Skill in High-Performance Computing systems.
• Working knowledge of LINUX/UNIX-based operating systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively, working across multiple tasks and projects
• Demonstrated ability to overcome problems by applying new knowledge, creativity, and determination.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of a diverse team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well, orally and in writing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Desired, but not required):

• Exposure to NCL and Perl
• Familiarity with Fortran
• Knowledge of Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) concepts, GRIB and netCDF files, or running/compiling WRF and WRF Preprocessing System (WPS).
• Web development basics for simple status dashboards.

UCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salary
• Time Off Plans
• Minimum 20 days of annual PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• FAMLI Leave
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer

UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information (like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions.

For sponsored positions: UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.

While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work.

All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements. All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site approximately 3 days per week.

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. 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 the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.