Testbed Scientific Applications Programmer

Overview

Lynker is seeking an experienced Testbed Scientific Applications Programmer for a long term contract supporting the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). SWPC operates 24/7 to monitor and forecast conditions in the space environment that affect the performance and reliability of critical technologies on Earth and in space. SWPC supports national security, transportation, power grid resilience, emergency management, and commercial space operations. SWPC is also designated as one of three ICAO Space Weather Centers, supporting international aviation. 

The Testbed Scientific Applications Programmer will handle full stack development to support the SWPC Testbed in building, testing, and maintaining end-to-end scientific software solutions for space weather modeling and forecast tool development.  This role will work under the guidance of the Testbed Integration Engineer and is responsible for implementing web-based interfaces and backend processes that connect scientific models, data sources, APIs, and visualizations. This position is vital to the Testbed’s research-to-operations (R2O) efforts, ensuring software products are functional, maintainable, and adaptable to operational requirements.  The ideal Testbed Scientific Applications Programmer will be located in the Boulder, CO, however the role could operate remotely for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Testbed Scientific Applications Programmer will include the following:

• Develop and maintain full-stack software applications that integrate front-end interfaces with backend services and scientific processing tools.
• Write, debug, and optimize code for space weather model I/O, data processing, and automated workflows using modern development frameworks.
• Create web-based dashboards, user interfaces, and visualization components using HTML5, JavaScript, and modern frontend libraries.
• Design backend services and APIs (RESTful or equivalent) that support real-time data exchange, containerized services, and workflow management.
• Support containerization of applications using tools such as Docker to ensure reproducibility, scalability, and cloud readiness.
• Participate in the setup and execution of testbed experiments, including the integration of model output, observational data, and prototype tools.
• Conduct routine data analysis and quality control to support model verification, system diagnostics, and operational transition planning.
• Collaborate with testbed staff, research scientists, and operational forecasters to gather requirements and refine specifications for prototype and production tools.
• Apply version control best practices (e.g., Git) and participate in code reviews to ensure maintainable, well-documented software that is sustainable beyond production implementation.
• Develop, train and maintain technical documentation for applications, APIs, workflows, and experiments.

Qualifications

The Testbed Scientific Applications Programmer selected should have the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science, space physics, geophysics, engineering, computer science, or mathematics from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience or coursework in scientific programming using languages such as Python, JavaScript,C/C++ and visualization languages like CSS and HTML5
• Familiarity with Linux-based operating environments, basic shell scripting, and version control tools (e.g., Git).
• Basic understanding of front-end and back-end development principles and experience with at least one modern web framework (e.g., React, Flask, Node.js).
• Ability to follow detailed technical guidance, manage tasks with supervision, and communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong analytical and communication skills for processing numerical data and conveying software requirements.

The Ideal Testbed Scientific Applications Programmer will have the following:

• Exposure to containerization tools (e.g., Docker) or high-performance computing (HPC) workflows.
• Familiarity with space weather or atmospheric modeling frameworks and standard geophysical data formats (e.g., NetCDF).
• Experience designing or implementing RESTful APIs and integrating data pipelines into cloud environments.
• Understanding of the research-to-operations (R2O) process in a government or scientific testbed environment.
• Interest in creating intuitive user interfaces and visualization tools for scientific datasets or operational use.

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.