Software Engineer​/Programmer II​/III

Job Description

Job Location: Boulder, Colorado

Job Type: Hybrid, 3 days/week minimum requirement in Boulder office

Position Type: Full-Time, Regular

Final date to receive applications: This position will be posted until 11:59:59 pm MDT on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this position.

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire.

Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

The Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling (ACOM) laboratory at NCAR is dedicated to advancing our understanding of air quality and climate through comprehensive, community-driven research. ACOM develops instruments, models, and facilities; builds, evaluates, and applies processing software and data products; and participates in field campaigns. This role is for a Software Engineer/Programmer at Level II or III.

• Collaborate with a team of atmospheric scientists to develop a program that accepts satellite and ancillary data, produces a higher-level data product, and serves as an essential step in the value chain.
• Conduct product testing to confirm integrity and validity.
• Participate in regular team meetings and provide updates on project progress.
• Articulate technical details clearly and present findings to diverse audiences.
• Develop code that integrates into a larger processing system, adhering to initiation sequences and exit codes.
• Test programs extensively to ensure reliable function under diverse conditions, including corrupted or incomplete input data.
• Write code with predictable failure modes to enable efficient troubleshooting and debugging.
• Design a test plan for the software and obtain ongoing professional development and new skills.
• Exemplify UCAR/NCAR’s values of scientific excellence, integrity, and mutual respect.
• Maintain required employee certifications and training as part of ongoing employment.

• Education & Experience:
  
  Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field with progressive relevant experience, 4–8 years, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Skill in a scientific object-oriented programming language and a scripting language
  • Expertise in Linux and software testing at unit and integration levels
  • Experience working collaboratively
  • Understanding of metadata concepts
  • Cybersecurity protocols and cloud computing
  • Experience with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefiles
  • Experience in graphical data displays
  • Clear written and oral communication skills
  • Experience with version control (Git Hub or equivalent) is desirable
  • Ability to travel occasionally for team meetings and workshops

• Education & Experience:
  
  Bachelor's degree in a computer-related field with progressive relevant experience, 8–12 years, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Advanced skill in a scientific object-oriented programming language and a scripting language
  • Extensive Linux expertise and software testing at unit and integration levels
  • Experience working collaboratively
  • In-depth understanding of metadata concepts
  • Extensive cybersecurity and cloud computing competency
  • Experience with modern software libraries, compilation skills, and makefiles
  • Ability to create graphical data displays
  • Clear written and oral communication skills
  • Familiarity with version control systems (Git Hub or equivalent) is desirable
  • Occasional travel to team meetings and workshops may be required

UCAR provides competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, and programs focused on work-life balance and development. Examples include tuition assistance, retirement contributions, paid time off, holidays, parental leave, and transit benefits.

Commitment to equal opportunity in employment and a statement on exporting controls and work location requirements are in place as applicable.