Lynker, a Federal Government Contractor, is seeking to fill a full-time position supporting the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at the Environmental Modeling Center (EMC). This position serves as a member of the Verification team within the Verification, Post-Processing, and Product Generation Branch (VPPPGB) in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. 

The incumbent will be primarily in charge of managing the code workflow that automates the evaluation of NCEP model forecasts, collaborating with internal and external partners and supporting the efforts of EMC’s Model Evaluation Group (MEG). Key responsibilities include managing code contributions and releases for the EMC Verification System (EVS) by reviewing, testing, and merging developer pull requests, and coordinating new releases. Additionally, the role requires researching and creating innovative model verification metrics and graphics to enhance skill assessment, while actively supporting and contributing to the community-based METplus (Model Evaluation Toolkit) verification software system.

The Verification System Code Manager selected will be responsible for the following:

The work will primarily include the following responsibilities:

• Manage Code Contributions and Releases: Review, test, and merge developer pull requests, and coordinate new releases for EVS and METplus with upstream teams, NWS Central Operations (NCO) and the Developmental Testbed Center (DTC).
• Maintain and Monitor Operational Systems: Continuously maintain and monitor the 'parallels' system (EVS-util) for stability. Clean up temporary/storage space on the parallels and coordinate necessary transfers when there is a production machine switch.
• Address and Debug Code Failures: Work with NCO to resolve operational code failures and assist developers with debugging and answering GitHub Discussions.
• Complete Release Documentation: Fill out all the necessary NCO Code Delivery Forms and accompanying release notes for EVS and METplus components.
• Interact with NWS/NCEP/EMC and external partner domain scientists and engineers.

• Adhere to DOC/NOAA/NWS Information Technology policies and procedures.
• Adhere to project-specific software development guidelines and practices.
• Complete scientific projects in a timely fashion according to internal and external schedules.
• Actively contribute to review of scientific ideas at status/technical meetings.
• Report regularly to senior project managers on project task completion status.

The Verification System Code Manager selected should have the following:

• A M.S. or equivalent experience in atmospheric sciences, scientific programming, meteorology, mathematics, or a related physical science and at least ten years experience with analysis, modeling or numerical model evaluation.
• Knowledge of the verification methods and techniques for verifying numerical Earth System Models (ESMs).
• Extensive experience with working with the Python programming language in a high performance supercomputing UNIX environment, to both calculate ESM verification metrics and create custom graphical plots to view and communicate results.
• Knowledge of the FORTRAN computing language and graphical display programs such as GRADS, GEMPAK, MATLAB, IDL, etc. 
• Knowledge of common meteorological data formats, such as GRIB2, NetCDF, HDF, BUFR, etc.
• Knowledge of model verification software systems, such as the Model Evaluation Tools (METplus).
• Demonstrated knowledge with using GitHub to manage software repositories and projects.
• Understanding of the rigor of real-time, operational software development and maintenance on high performance supercomputers.
• Ability to adhere to strict software code and timing performance standards that are commensurate with a real-time, operational software environment.
• Some knowledge of using web page technology and common languages (e.g., HTML, Javascript)  to display plots of ESM verification data.
• Demonstrated skill in communicating effectively with scientists of diverse backgrounds, and the ability to present results accurately and clearly in both oral and written form.
• Ability to analyze/plot and verify model output independently.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment on complex problems.
• Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail.

The Ideal Verification System Code Manager will have the following:

• Expert proficiency in using tools like Git for reviewing, merging, and managing code contributions (pull requests).
• Experience designing and managing the code workflow for automated data processing and model evaluation.
• Experience coordinating, testing, and distributing new software releases (specifically for EVS and contributions to METplus).
• Skill in maintaining and developing web interfaces for data visualization (e.g., EMC's Model Verification Web Pages).
• Deep understanding of meteorological data, model outputs, and various verification metrics (e.g., error, skill scores, bias).
• Familiarity with National Weather Service operational regional and global model ensembles and/or an operational forecasting environment.
• 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.

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.