Lead Scientist – Science Coordination

Lead Scientist – NOAA Satellite Applications and Research Program

Orchard LLC is seeking an experienced Lead Scientist to support a highly visible NOAA Satellite Applications and Research program. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting ocean and coastal water remote sensing satellite observation projects. This position is contingent upon contract award.

• Identify and support new product activities.
• Actively pursue opportunities for new products and collaborations with Line/Regional Offices.
• Plan and prioritize project activities.
• Provide resource recommendations based on priorities.
• Contribute to peer‑reviewed publications, posters, and presentations on products, applications, tools, and services, including training and data distribution.
• Effectively utilize Artificial Intelligence tools to optimize processes and operations.
• Lead training activities related to new products and features.
• Support any duties related to scientific collaboration and coordination to achieve program goals.

• Master’s degree in Marine Science, Marine Biology, Oceanography, or a related field. Prefer PhD or advanced degree.
• Minimum 5 years of data analysis and program support experience related to ocean remote sensing programs.
• Experience with scientific programming languages such as Python, FORTRAN, JavaScript, Perl, shell script, and MATLAB.
• Experience working with environmental satellite data and related product development activities.
• Strong familiarity with ocean and coastal water remote sensing satellite observation.
• Cloud computing and platform experience required, such as AWS and Azure.
• Prefer experience supporting or leading NOAA Satellite programs, particularly Coast Watch, Polar Watch, or Ocean Watch programs.
• Knowledge of environmental satellite data and related products.
• Excellent presentation and stakeholder engagement/communication skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

Orchard is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.