Lynker is seeking a Physical Scientist to support development activities for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) component of the US National Ice Center (USNIC). The USNIC is a multi-agency center with Navy, Coast Guard, and NOAA making up the three agencies represented and is located in the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) in Suitland, MD. The NOAA team at the USNIC is part of the National Weather Service’s Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) located in the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) in College Park, MD. The OPC is responsible for warnings and forecasts for hazardous weather conditions over the western North Atlantic and eastern and central North Pacific and for ice analyses for the Arctic waters, Antarctic waters, the Great Lakes, and coastal areas of the northeast and mid-Atlantic as needed. The expectation is for this Physical Scientist to be based at NCWCP in College Park, MD but visit NSOF in Suitland, MD, routinely. 

The USNIC product suite relies on two systems for analysis. For highly detailed ice analysis the Satellite Image Processing and Analysis System (SIPAS) is the principal tool and runs in the ArcGIS Pro environment. The Interactive Multisensor Snow and Ice Mapping System (IMS) was developed in house and is used to generate the ice and snow analyses for the Northern Hemisphere. IMS output is input into the NWS suite of numerical forecast models.

The successful Physical Scientist will provide technical support to the IMS operational system. Tasks and responsibilities include: maintain the present system, updating data access and sources, perform routine updates to the software as needed, and work with USNIC staff to develop a plan for modernization of the IMS function with a focus on efficiency and accuracy. Considerations will include the appropriate platform for the application, potential to transition to the Cloud, and enhancing tools such as AI based analysis techniques. Once the plan is approved, development to modernize the IMS function will begin. The effort will be a team effort with this programmer being a key member. 

In addition to working on the IMS application, there will likely be opportunities to work on the development of USNIC products to the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standard S-411 for gridded and graphical ice portrayals for display in vessel electronic charting systems. The S-411 standards are being updated by other nations, however, the USNIC will be required to produce versions of the products meeting the IHO standards. The effort to produce S-411 compatible ice products will be a team effort with the candidate being a member of that developmental team.

Responsibilities: 

Software Development 85%

• Provide technical support for the existing IMS through routine maintenance and updating availability of data sets.
• Work with OPC Ice Services Branch analysts and Ocean Applications Branch scientists to determine the best approach to update IMS to 2025 capabilities and improve the Graphical User Interface (GUI).
• Coordinate with NWS and non-NWS agencies on requirements.
• Development of the IMS GUI application to allow analyst to visualize the data on IMS projection and make the location analysis of snow and ice covered over the entire Northern Hemisphere. 
• Provide knowledge and design expertise in IMS application development.
• Transition development into operations.
• Work with OPC Ocean Application Branch staff and international partners to gain knowledge of the S-411 standards for sea and lake ice for display on shipboard electronic charting systems. 
• Provide knowledge and expertise in developing of software to generate sample S-411 versions of USNIC ice products. 

Documentation and Reporting 15% 

• Prepare software documentation in collaboration with team members. 
• Prepare status reports as required by the project sponsor and CIRA. 
• Prepare and deliver technical talks and presentations as requested.

The Ideal Physical Scientist will have the following:

• Background in Physical Sciences, Computer Sciences, or Mathematics with proven experience in application design and implementation.
• Proficiency in the Python and Unix Shell scripting languages.
• Experience in collaborative software development and source code management using version control systems, such as Git and GitHub.
• Experience in developing and optimizing software for HPC systems, including parallel computing applications.
• Experience with Cloud platforms is a PLUS.
• Experience working with GIS systems and satellite data.
• Knowledge of software development life cycle and methods, such as Agile and CI/CD.
• Knowledge of Object Oriented Programming concepts with emphasis on the development of efficient and scalable code.
• Familiarity with FORTRAN and scientific computing libraries is a PLUS.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex software systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

About Lynker

Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.

We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.

Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.

Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.