Solutions Engineer in Ocean and Environmental Data Visualization Products

Overview

The University of South Florida College of Marine Science and the Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation are seeking a skilled and motivated Solutions Engineer to support the development, integration, delivery, and maintenance of advanced data systems and interactive digital products for a newly established data visualization center. This role builds and maintains critical geospatial infrastructure, pipelines, and products that foster actionable solutions for inland and coastal resilience, ocean observing, and environmental challenges.

We invite candidates who possess problem-solving skills and a passion for geospatial design. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of science, technology, and data innovation to develop data-driven visual information products. We value curiosity, collaboration, and practical creativity.

• Push the boundaries of data science by creating compelling, immersive geospatial visualizations of complex environmental data. Collaborate with the center s leadership and clients to propose solutions that illustrate how products derived from geospatial data can address critical scientific and environmental issues.
• Serve as a technical expert in open-source and proprietary geospatial visualization tools and infrastructure (R, Shiny, Python, ArcGIS products, 3D modeling software, Git, etc.).
• Plan, execute, and maintain workflows that support acquisition, processing, visualization, and sharing of diverse datasets.
• Develop, document, and distribute technical solutions for data interoperability, metadata standards, and accessibility via cloud-based services and public repositories.
• Present and distribute geospatial products to external groups. Design presentations for technical and non-technical customers.

• 3+ years of experience with the ESRI suite creating maps, programming custom GIS applications, performing spatial analyses, and/or configuring geospatial web applications.
• 1+ years of experience in environmental, cinematic, scientific, or academic industries.
• Knowledge of cloud computing concepts, governance, and pipelines. Experience with cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP, or similar) and web services.
• Strong presentation, interpersonal, and listening skills.
• Ability to use photorealistic rendering, spatial analysis, and cross-platform capabilities to power immersive simulations, digital twins, and XR solutions.
• Strong programming or scripting experience with .NET, C++, C#, Kotlin, Swift, Python, JavaScript, R, or Julia.
• Understanding of ArcGIS from an IT context (hardware, storage, security, networking, web services, cloud computing).
• Bachelor s degree in oceanography, geography, atmospheric science, computer science, data science, mathematics, or a related field.
• Based in St. Petersburg, FL with ability to travel domestically or internationally and ability to pass a Level 2 background check.

• Experience creating custom geospatial applications with real-world data using ESRI Developer tools, SDKs, APIs, or Game Engines.
• Familiarity with marine or environmental data standards (e.g., NetCDF, CF conventions, OPENDAP, ERDDAP, THREDDS).
• Experience in technical consulting, troubleshooting, and conceptual solution design.
• Experience incorporating real-time observations with existing GIS data and IT infrastructure.
• Experience with geodatabases and underlying DBMS technology.
• Experience with 3D modeling software (Maya, Blender, Houdini, Fledermaus, Unity, Unreal Engine, etc.).
• Master s degree in oceanography, atmospheric science, geography, computer science, mathematics, data science, or a related field.
• Ability to think strategically and demonstrate proficiency in visioning, conceptual design, and storytelling.
• Adaptability and resourcefulness, with the ability to empathize with users of the visualization center to create valuable visuals.

The primary mission of the College of Marine Science is to conduct basic and applied research in ocean science. The College has 32 full-time ranked faculty, supported by research associates, professional administrative staff, and technical staff. It has approximately 108 graduate students and generates about $17 million per year in research expenditures, with 13 research laboratories. More information is available at the College web page.

The Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation (Flood Hub) is Florida s center for data on changes in flood risk. It seeks to help Florida prepare for rising sea levels, stronger storms, and more extreme rainfall. The Flood Hub is hosted by USF College of Marine Science on the St. Petersburg campus. More information is available at the Flood Hub page.

To apply, please submit a detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae. Priority review of applications will begin on February 9, 2026.

Degree Equivalency Clause:
Four years of direct experience for a bachelor s degree. The following SB 1310…