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# Support Scientist for Operational Wave Modeling Development

- **Company:** Lynker Technologies
- **Location:** College Park, MD, United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $75,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Unix, C++ (Programming Language), Decision Support Systems, Github, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Object-Oriented Software Development, OpenMP, Shell Script, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, Web Services, Software Organization, Real Time Systems, Operational Systems, Slurm, Software Version Control, Programming Languages
- **Published:** September 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.jofdav.com/jobs/59925380-support-scientist-for-operational-wave-modeling-development

## About the Role

The Support Scientist for Operational Wave Modeling Development selected should have the following:

 * An M.S. (or equivalent experience) in meteorology, physical oceanography, coastal engineering or a related field, with 7+ years in weather forecasting, physical oceanography, or coastal ocean science.
 * Knowledge of spectral wave models (like WAVEWATCH III), in particular for real-time applications.
 * Experience in running numerical models on High Performing Computer (HPC) platforms using MPI, OpenMP, Slurm, LSF, etc.
 * Is familiar with modern software development practices, particularly version control software.
 * Advanced skills and knowledge of modern programming languages and object-oriented languages, such as FORTRAN90, Python, and C++.
 * Experience working in a UNIX environment with advanced shell scripting languages and familiar with running complex jobs.
 * Demonstrated proficiency using GitHub to manage software repositories, code versions, and projects.
 * Ability to maintain, visualize, and disseminate marine modeling output and web-based products.

The Ideal Support Scientist for Operational Wave Modeling Development will have the following:

 * Demonstrated experience in operational system integration, and software development for real-time applications within regional and nearshore domains.
 * Direct experience advancing formulations for coastal processes, including wave runup, total water level, coastal impact prediction, and rip current forecasting.
 * Familiarity with applying artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) techniques to enhance wave parameterizations, model efficiency, or forecast accuracy.
 * Strong team-player mindset with a proven ability to collaborate across interagency and private sectors.

## Description

Lynker is seeking a sharp Support Scientist for Operational Wave Modeling Development to accelerate and enhance operational marine modeling capabilities within the National Weather Service (NWS) Regional Wave Prediction System (RWPS)-the next-generation framework built to align with NWS transformation goals. With roughly 40% of the U.S. population residing in coastal counties and rip currents remaining a leading cause of weather-related fatalities, this role advances foundational guidance for Impact-Based Decision Support Services (IDSS) to protect life and property. Working alongside a team, the specialist will support the development, testing, and implementation of physics-based and machine learning wave frameworks, integrate coastal processes, and assist in transitioning cutting-edge capabilities into high-reliability NWS operations. The Ideal Support Scientist for Operational Wave Modeling Development, will be local to the DC Metro area, and be able to work a hybrid schedule,
working 2 days per week in office out of the College Park, MD location, and working from home the remaining 3 days of the week.

Responsibilities

The candidate will perform the job duties in an independent, collaborative, and initiative-driven way, assisting in developing and applying innovative methods for the primary work areas described below.

Duties of the Support Scientist for Operational Wave Modeling Development will include the following:

 * Operational Modeling & System Integration: Work with the team to support the development, optimization, maintenance, and integration of wave modeling capabilities within the RWPS architecture, ensuring alignment with NWS operational standards.
 * Coastal Processes & Hazard Prediction: Contribute to advancing numerical and statistical formulations for key coastal phenomena, including wave runup, coastal impact prediction, total water level, and rip current forecasting.
 * AI & Next-Gen Techniques: Collaborate on exploring, evaluating, and integrating artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) techniques to improve wave modeling efficiency, parameterizations, or forecast accuracy.
 * Interagency & Sector Collaboration: Partner across multidisciplinary federal and private sectors (e.g., USGS, NOS, academic institutions, and private industry) to evaluate external models and accelerate the transition of research to operations (R2O).
 * Model Experimentation & Validation: Assist in designing and executing numerical model experiments, applying advanced verification, validation, and observational data-fusion techniques across regional and nearshore domains.
 * System Support & Web Services: Help maintain, visualize, and disseminate marine modeling output and related web-based products for internal operational and public use.