Remote Sensing Scientist - NOAA Commercial Data Program

Job Description
The NOAA Commercial Data Program (CDP) assesses and acquires space-based environmental observation data from commercial sources to enhance NOAA's operational forecasting and research capabilities. The Remote Sensing Scientist will support instrument performance evaluation, calibration/validation, and value-assessment analyses of satellite remote sensing data, using both physics-based and AI/ML methodologies to ensure data quality and utility for NOAA operational systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Support for NOAA Commercial Data Program:

• Conduct rigorous processing and evaluation of commercial microwave and infrared satellite observations to determine whether Level-1 datasets meet requirements for calibration accuracy, stability, instrument noise, and inter-channel noise correlations.
• Utilize and contribute to radiative transfer modeling using the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) and similar tools in both research and operational contexts.

Data Validation and Quality Control:

• Implement validation procedures to verify the accuracy and reliability of commercial, partner, and NOAA operational observational data.
• Ensure consistency, integrity, and readiness of observational datasets for assimilation and distribution to users, adhering to standards for experimental and operational data releases.

Algorithm Development:

• Lead development of advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms for geophysical performance assessment of commercial, partner, and NOAA operational infrared and microwave satellite observations.
• Perform information content and sensitivity analyses to ensure algorithms and datasets meet theoretical and operational expectations.

Scientific Communication and Collaboration:

• Prepare scientific documentation, technical reports, and presentations for internal project reviews, NOAA leadership, and external scientific forums.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including remote sensing experts, data assimilation specialists, and software engineers.

Requirements

• Extensive experience performing data calibration, quality assessment, and calibration/validation evaluation of commercial and NOAA operational sensor Level-1 datasets.
• Minimum 6+ years of experience with advanced numerical methods, AI/ML technologies, and neural network application to large, multi-year datasets, including hands-on use of libraries such as TensorFlow, Keras, and/or PyTorch.
• 6+ years of applied experience in data assimilation, numerical weather prediction, and remote sensing, with emphasis on microwave and infrared sounder systems.
• Proficiency in: Fortran 90+, C/C++, Python, IDL, Matlab, and Linux shell scripting.
• Experience with Linux, Unix, high performance computing (HPC) environments and cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Familiarity with version control and configuration management tools (e.g., GitHub/GitLab) in an operational software team environment.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex technical concepts in meetings, written reports, and scientific conferences.
• Demonstrated capability to work collaboratively with project leads, program managers, and cross-disciplinary
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident who has lived in the United States at least 3 out of the last 5 years and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to access applicable government facilities and systems.

Education
Ph.D. in Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, Remote Sensing, or a related quantitative discipline.

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

Compensation
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
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 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 employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.