[Hiring] Physical Scientist for EVU Regional Verification @Lynker Corporation

Role Description

Lynker, a Federal Government Contractor, is seeking talented Physical Scientist for EVU Regional Verification 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.

Responsibilities

• 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/NWS IT policies, and regularly present findings at technical and status meetings.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.