Intercalibration Science & Data Analyst

Job Description:

Position Summary

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA), as part of the Research, Science, and Engineering Services (RSES) contract, seeks an experienced Data Analyst to join the CLARREO Pathfinder (CPF) Intercalibration Team and contribute to a flagship NASA Earth science mission focused on improving the accuracy and consistency of satellite observations. The Data Analyst will support the development, validation, and implementation of sophisticated intercalibration data analysis frameworks used to verify project requirements, evaluate science algorithms, and perform mission-critical analyses across multiple intercalibration targets.

The successful candidate will conduct scientific studies, statistical analyses, uncertainty assessments, and data product validation activities using CPF observations, simulation datasets, and reference targets. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and analysts within a highly visible and productive research team supporting NASA's Science Directorate.

For more information about the mission, visit: https://clarreo-pathfinder.larc.nasa.gov/

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct intercalibration sampling studies, data analysis, validation activities, and related investigations supporting comparisons between CPF and designated intercalibration targets.
• Evaluate the performance of intercalibration science algorithms and validate algorithm outputs against mission requirements.
• Develop, refine, and maintain CPF-target intercalibration analysis methodologies using: 
  • CPF Level-1A High-Fidelity Simulator datasets
  • Existing target datasets
  • Additional proxy datasets as appropriate
• Perform intercalibration analyses using measured Level-1 data products and various calibration targets, including: 
  • Satellite instruments
  • Ground-based land sites
  • Lunar observations
  • Other designated reference targets
• Conduct statistical analyses and quantify uncertainty propagation throughout the processing chain, including the characterization of aggregate uncertainties.
• Assess the feasibility of CPF intercalibration approaches across a variety of targets and estimate anticipated uncertainty budgets.
• Develop, modify, and maintain scientific analysis scripts and tools to: 
  • Process large datasets
  • Generate diagnostic visualizations
  • Evaluate Level 4 intercalibration data products
  • Support routine validation and quality assessment activities
• Collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, and analysts across the intercalibration subsystem to advance mission objectives and support verification and validation efforts.
• Communicate technical findings through presentations, reports, and scientific discussions.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Atmospheric Science, Physical Science, Remote Sensing, Data Science, or related field.
• Three (3) or more years of experience performing scientific data analysis.
• Experience working with Earth-observing passive remote sensing datasets.
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistical methods and quantitative data analysis techniques.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data processing workflows.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to meet NASA background investigation requirements for IT and facility access.
• US Person

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming in Python.
• Experience with automated or batch data processing systems.
• Experience working in collaborative scientific research environments.
• Experience with satellite instrument intercomparisons and/or intercalibration analyses.
• Familiarity with uncertainty quantification and error propagation methods.
• Experience analyzing CERES, VIIRS, or similar Earth observation datasets.
• Experience creating scientific visualizations and data quality assessment tools.

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.