- Salary
- $70k – $110k/yr
- Location
- College Park, MD
- Workplace
- Hybrid
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Education
- Experience
- 7+ years
- Education
- Master
- Visa
- Not sponsored
- Source
- ApplicantPro
Description
Overview
Axiom is seeking a full-time Support Scientist to join the Evaluation and Verification Unit (EVU) within the NOAA/NWS Office of Modeling and Development (OMD). Working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment, this position will advance object-oriented verification techniques, support customized workflows for regional and convective-scale models, and evaluate next-generation AI-driven forecast systems. The scientist will serve as a key technical liaison for quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) verification topics while contributing to the community-based METplus software framework and supporting operational model evaluation efforts. THIS IS A HYBRID ROLE.
Responsibilities
The candidate will perform job duties in a collaborative, team-oriented, and initiative-driven manner across the following key areas:
The successful candidate will work in the following areas:
- Object-Oriented & High-Resolution Model Verification: Investigate and apply object-oriented verification methods (e.g., METplus MODE) to evaluate high-resolution model performance and improve spatial skill assessment.
- Convective & Rapid-Refresh Workflow Development: Work closely with developers on systems like RRFS, REFS, and WoFS to create customized, automated verification workflows tailored specifically for model development purposes.
- Interagency & Operational Liaison: Act as a key technical liaison between the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) and EVU/OMD on National Blend of Models (NBM) and National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) verification topics, with a primary focus on quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF).
- AI & Next-Gen Model Evaluation: Develop advanced metrics and methods for high-resolution AI/ML model verification and evaluation (e.g., HRRRCast).
- Community Software & METplus Collaboration: Actively support and contribute innovative verification metrics, code enhancements, and graphics capabilities to the community-based METplus verification framework.
- Operational & Science Team Support: Support the team's Model Evaluation Group (MEG) efforts, interact with NWS/NCEP domain scientists, adhere to NOAA/
Qualifications
The ideal candidate should have the following required qualifications:
- An M.S. (or equivalent experience) in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, scientific programming, mathematics, or a related physical science with 7+ years of experience in numerical model analysis, evaluation, or verification.
- Demonstrated experience using object-oriented verification techniques (such as METplus MODE) and evaluating high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.
- Extensive experience working with Python in a high-performance computing (HPC) UNIX environment to calculate verification metrics and generate custom visual plots.
- Demonstrated proficiency using GitHub to manage software repositories, code versions, and collaborative projects.
- Proven experience working with common meteorological data formats (e.g., GRIB2, NetCDF, HDF, BUFR) and model verification software systems (specifically METplus).
- Strong team-player mindset with demonstrated skill in communicating technical results effectively across interagency teams, developers, and operational forecasters.
- Some knowledge of using web page technology and common languages (e.g., HTML, Javascript) to display plots of verification data.
- Ability to analyze/plot and verify model output independently.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex problems.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder to and must live in US for 3-5 years prior to application
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
- Experience developing customized verification workflows or evaluation tools for convective-scale/rapid-refresh models and ensembles (e.g., RRFS, REFS, WoFS, or HRRR).
- Familiarity with evaluating AI/ML weather models (e.g., HRRRCast) or developing new metrics for machine learning forecast systems.
- Experience in precipitation verification topics (QPF) and working with operational datasets/systems like the National Blend of Models (NBM) or National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD).
- Knowledge of Fortran, web technologies (HTML, JavaScript) for web page plotting, or legacy display tools (GrADS, GEMPAK, MATLAB).
- Familiarity with National Weather Service operational centers, OMD workflows, or operational forecasting environments.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail.
- Knowledge of statistical principles and strong analytical skills.
- A passion for the National Weather Service mission.
- Ability to accept assigned tasking, but also engage as a creative self-starter.
- Driven by curiosity and willing to try new techniques and learn new skills.
- Ability to remain flexible as projects and tasks evolve.
Axiom offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive medical/dental/life insurance and matching 401(k) contribution.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)