Join our team: Software Engineer โ Meteorological Data Processing (A2)
This is an exciting role for someone with software engineering experience interested in processing observational data sets from satellite-borne and in-situ instruments. You will join a team of experienced software engineers working in close collaboration with research scientists at the forefront of assimilating meteorological observations, and associated data, into physics-based and machine-learned forecasting systems. A related aspect of this role is the acquisition and quality checking of seasonal forecast model outputs, generated by external providers, and used as input to the multi-system seasonal forecast service of C3S.
This position sits in the Observations Team of the Production Services Section in ECMWFโs Forecasts and Services Department. The Observations Team is responsible for acquiring and preparing observational data for use in ECMWFโs weather forecasting and environmental monitoring activities. The Production Services Section is responsible for the operational production services of ECMWF, working closely with teams across the organisation to maintain, develop and manage the operational forecasting systems and associated data services.
You will work closely with colleagues of the Observations Team, who provide the technical infrastructure for the operational processing of observations at ECMWF to manage the acquisition and pre-processing of input observations for numerical weather prediction and environmental monitoring. You will also collaborate closely with scientists and technical experts within ECMWF and with external data providers. In this role you will also be responsible for developing, testing and implementing data processing changes to the operational production systems.
The main focus of your role will be to support the seasonal forecast and global reanalysis functions of the C3S. However, your skills will be readily applicable to the wider further development of the observation acquisition and pre-processing system at ECMWF.
Why ECMWF?
At ECMWF, we are at the forefront of Earth-system modelling and numerical weather prediction, recognized globally for our cutting-edge research and operational excellence. As the creators of the Artificial Intelligence Forecasting System (AIFS) and first operational weather centre to publish results of our own global machine learned weather model, we are pioneering efforts to integrate ML into traditional simulation models to deliver actionable insights for climate and environmental challenges.
Your impact
In this role, you will:
Implement the acquisition and pre-processing of satellite and in-situ observations, and of external model data, and liaise with data providers on technical aspects of the acquisition and data usage guidelinesDevelop observation processing workflows and pipelines to convert data from native formats, such as NetCDF and HDF, into WMO BUFR (using python and ecCodes)Support initial quality control of input observational and model-generated dataPrepare re-processed satellite data sets for input to global reanalyses of the atmosphere, in support of C3SManage the acquisition and quality checking of seasonal forecast data for input to the operational production for the C3S multi-systemLiaise with the data assimilation scientists to ensure the proper treatment of observational data in the global forecasting systemsAnalyse and rectify problems in the operational production, including on-call support when necessaryWhat we're looking for:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with members of a small teamAbility to work with subject matter experts in other fields to explain technical issues and understand their needs and translate them into deliverable requirementsExcellent analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to work under pressure in a time critical environmentPractical and reliable with the drive to ensure that plans are completed as efficiently as possibleAbility to work in a matrix-managed environment across multiple locationsCandidates must be able to work and communicate effectively in EnglishYour background
Advanced university degree (EQF Level 6) in computer or computational science, physics or natural sciences, mathematics, or a related discipline is required.Experience of developing and maintaining data processing systems and workflows in an operational environment is required.Experience in working with scientists/researchers or technical specialists (ideally in an operational environment) is required.Proficiency in Python and shell scripting in a Linux computing environment is essential.Strong software development skills are essential, including knowledge of process, tools and techniques for software development, testing and management.Experience in interacting with data providers would be an advantage.Knowledge of Fortran, data querying languages and cloud technologies would be advantageous.Knowledge of meteorological observations and data formats (NetCDF and BUFR) is highly desirable.Fluency in English; knowledge of French or German is a plus.The skills and experience - unless required - are an advantage. You are encouraged to apply even if you donโt feel you precisely meet all these criteria.
About ECMWF
The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is an intergovernmental organisation created in 1975 and is today supported by 35 Member and Co-operating States mostly in Europe. The Centreโs mission is to serve and support its Member and Co-operating States and the wider community by developing and providing world-leading global numerical weather prediction. ECMWF functions as a 24/7 research and operational centre with a focus on medium and long-range predictions and holds one of the largest meteorological archives in the world. The success of its activities relies on its scientists, strong partnerships with its Member and Co-operating States and the international community, some of the most powerful supercomputers in the world and the use of innovative technologies.
ECMWF has also developed a strong partnership with the European Union and has been entrusted with the implementation and operation of the Climate Change and Atmosphere Monitoring Services of the EU Copernicus Programme. We also contribute to the Copernicus Emergency Management Service. Other areas of work include High Performance Computing and the development of digital tools that enable ECMWF to extend provision of data and products covering weather, climate, air quality, fire and flood prediction and monitoring.
Copernicus is the earth observation component of the European Union (EU) space programme. Based on the exploitation of spaced based and in situ (earth-based) observations and scientific models, Copernicus provides information services for land, marine, atmospheric and climate monitoring, as well as emergency management and security. These services, and their free, open and quality assured data and tools, support a range of environmental and security applications across sectors and policy domains. For details, see www.copernicus.eu
The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) provides consistent and quality-controlled information related to air pollution and health, solar energy, greenhouse gases and climate forcing, everywhere in the world. For details, see https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu
The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) provides authoritative information about the past, present and future climate, as well as tools to enable climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies by policy makers and businesses. For details, see https://climate.copernicus.eu
ECMWF is a multi-site organisation, with a main office in Reading, UK, a data centre/supercomputer in Bologna, Italy, and a large presence in Bonn, Germany. We appreciate the need for flexibility in the way our staff work. For additional details, see www.ecmwf.int.
Other information
Grade remuneration The successful candidate will be recruited according to the scales of the Co-ordinated Organisations. ECMWF also offers a generous benefits package, including a flexible teleworking policy as defined in the ECMWF Staff Regulations. Full details of salary scales and allowances available on the ECMWF website at www.ecmwf.int/en/about/jobs, including the ECMWF Staff Regulations and the terms and conditions of employment.
Starting date: As soon as possible
As a multi-site organisation, ECMWF has adopted a hybrid working model that allows flexibility to staff to mix office working and teleworking. Successful applicants and members of their family forming part of their households will be exempt from immigration restrictions. Interviews will take place via videoconference (MS Team). If you require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment process, please contact us via email: jobs@ecmwf.int
Who can apply
Applicants are invited to complete the online application form by clicking on the apply button below.
At ECMWF, we consider an inclusive environment as key for our success. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all, without distinction as to race, gender, age, marital status, social status, disability, sexual orientation, religion, personality, ethnicity and culture. We value the benefits derived from a diverse workforce and are committed to having staff that reflect the diversity of the countries that are part of our community, in an environment that nurtures equality and inclusion.
Applications are invited from nationals from ECMWF Member States and Cooperating States, listed below, as well as from all EU Member States:
ECMWF Member and Co-operating States are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Hungary, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
In these exceptional times, we also welcome applications from Ukrainian nationals for this vacancy. Applications from nationals from other countries may be considered in exceptional cases.