Atmospheric Scientist; Associate or Mid-Level

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Associate or Mid-Level Atmospheric Scientist to join our exclusive team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We are seeking a highly skilled individual with a strong background in data analysis, modeling, and simulation. This position will support the data analysis, hardware, and software development of electro‑optical systems. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to advancements in technology using cutting‑edge equipment at a historically significant site.

This position supports the R&D mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory Optics Division in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities. The site houses telescope research facilities ranging in size from 0.5 m up to 3.5 m with advanced optical systems. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting atmospheric research, data analysis products and image/signal algorithm development.

Starfire Optical Range is a world‑class research facility with recognized achievements, enabled by the quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of our entire team. Our team consists of engineers and technicians in all disciplines required to plan, design, integrate, and test complex optical, electronic, quantum systems to achieve research objectives.

• Provide daily detailed forecast for night operations.
• Work with current onsite weather sensors and provide recommendations for improved site instrumentation and visualizations.
• Interpret and validate numerical weather prediction data (GFS, ECMWF, HRRR, NAM, others) and proficiently communicate the results to decision‑makers.
• Assist in the development and documentation of weather requirements for telescope operations.
• Analysis, modeling, and interpretation of Adaptive Optics systems.
• Model development of complex optics and optical systems.
• Evaluation and verification of optical systems performance and design.
• Perform analysis of meteorological data, write technical reports, and maintain a climatology database for the site.
• Conduct experiments with small telescopes and meteorological equipment.
• Observation and interpretation of real‑time digital weather radar and GOES satellite data.
• Understand relevant weather statistics and prediction indicators.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

• Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or other natural science discipline.
• 2+ years of experience with data analysis of large datasets.
• 2+ years of experience with computer programming in MATLAB, LabVIEW, Fortran, Java, Mathematica, or C++.
• 2+ years of experience forecasting meteorological parameters.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact and present technical material to internal leadership and customers.
• Must be willing to work variable shifts; including day, evening, night, and weekends.
• Active U.S. Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

• 5+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s or PhD degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science.
• Experience with small telescopes.
• Experience with optical system design principles.
• Knowledge of atmospheric optical turbulence, including Fried parameter, isoplanatic angle, and Greenwood frequency.
• Involvement with Numerical Weather Prediction including running and programming the Weather Research Forecast model.
• Experience with MODTRAN/FASCODE.

Boeing is a Drug-Free Workplace where post‑offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

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