Satellite Sensor Calibration and Data Quality Scientist / Engineer

Job Description:

About Science and Technology Corporation (STC):

STC is a science, sensors, and systems company founded in 1979. We continually expand our Earth and Space Sciences support capabilities to NASA, NOAA, DoD, and other Federal and State agencies. Our staff support many of the operational missions that monitor the heartbeat of our planet through a growing number of Earth Observing System of Systems platforms and direct field research. We also research and investigate leading-edge observing technologies and assist in their integration into operations.

• Employment Category: Full-time/Exempt
• Location: Hybrid/College Park, MD & Remote
• Security Clearance: None
• Citizenship: US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Salary: $75,000 - $110,000

Project Overview

This role supports the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite programs by ensuring the quality and reliability of data from Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellite sensors. The objective is to maintain and enhance the operational utility of Level 1b data products for critical applications such as numerical weather prediction (NWP) and space weather forecasting.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Scientist/Engineer to play a key role in the operational calibration and validation of sensors onboard NOAA's Low Earth Orbiting satellites. This individual will be responsible for the characterization, monitoring, and improvement of Level 1b data quality, anomaly investigation, and the development of innovative scientific methods to optimize sensor performance and data utility for critical weather and space weather services.

Key Responsibilities

• Sensor Calibration and Data Quality Monitoring: Support NOAA operational calibration of sensors on Low Earth Orbiting satellites. Characterize and monitor the signal-to-noise ratio, radiometric, spectral, and geospatial quality of Level 1b products. Develop and implement automated routines for routine data quality assessment and reporting.
• Anomaly Investigation and Mitigation: Investigate instrument anomalies, including those potentially caused by space weather events or radio frequency interference (RFI). Propose and implement corrective actions, mitigations, or algorithm improvements to address detected anomalies.
• Algorithm Development and Technical Support: Provide advanced technical support to the satellite programs. Improve existing algorithms and Level 1 data quality through innovative scientific research and development. Apply expertise in atmospheric science and remote sensing to ensure the data effectively supports numerical weather and space weather predictions.
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Document technical procedures, findings, and algorithm changes clearly and concisely. Present research results and technical updates at internal project reviews and relevant scientific conferences.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off Starting at 80 hrs/yr, 11 Federal holidays, and 56 hrs/yr Sick Leave
• 401K with up to 4% employer matching contribution
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Flexible spending account
• Health savings account
• Tuition reimbursement

Job Requirements:

• PhD or MS in Atmospheric Science, Remote Sensing, or a related field with a strong focus on GNSS radio occultation data processing.
• 5+ years of related work experience in satellite sensor calibration, remote sensing data processing, or atmospheric science research.
• Proficiency with data analysis software and programming languages (e.g., Fortran, C/C++, Python, or similar).
• Demonstrated expertise in atmospheric science research and a solid understanding of relevant concepts related to radio occultation and atmospheric profiling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to critically assess complex scientific data and develop innovative solutions to challenges in GNSS radio occultation processing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Desired Qualifications

• A track record of publishing research results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences related to GNSS radio occultation processing and atmospheric science.