Senior Scientific Programmer

Job Description

Description

SAIC is hiring a Scientific Programmer with expert experience in R Programming language, concentrating on Statistical Programming and Data Analysis to support the NOAA GFDL program in Princeton, NJ. The GFDL Statistical Downscaling team seeks to modernize, scale, and expand the team’s existing data science and analytics system, in order to keep pace with the use of more sophisticated mathematical techniques in the field and to better meet requests from NOAA and its partners.

The right candidate will have experience that encompasses a combination of programming skills (R) and statistics/applied math knowledge.  The candidate should have a demonstrated ability to work independently within a team environment, effectively manage and prioritize multiple concurrent tasks or projects, creative problem solving, and demonstrate keen attention to detail. Overarching goals are to support, enhance, and expand a modular software and data management infrastructure used to conduct bias correction and statistical downscaling experiments so as to enable thorough, scientifically-sound analyses of climate data products commonly used in applied climate research studies. Developing robust and reliable code that advances the team’s research capabilities requires sufficient understanding of the mathematical methods being deployed, as well as coding skills.

Position Responsibilities:

• Design and produce expert-level code in R statistical programming language to support the GFDL ESD team’s established statistical downscaling framework and to enhance capabilities.
• Design and produce expert-level code in R and/or Python programming languages to develop and support quantitative analysis tools.
• Contribute to team-wide understanding and application of applied mathematical and statistical methods, including machine learning techniques, used in physical sciences research.
• Support new and existing codes through concise analysis, comprehension, and implementation of modular coding practices.
• Contribute to and maintain a robust suite of regression and unit tests.
• Utilize git-based version control systems, particularly to automate testing.
• Analyze and implement code for efficient handling of large data sets in a multi-platform computing environment.
• Communicate and exchange ideas and technical information with the GFDL ESD team during planning sessions.
• Prepare written documentation of code and methods for developers and users, including contributions to scientific and technical manuscripts.
• Working with netCDF data files and developing code that adheres to in-house metadata standards.
• Experience in statistics, applied math, computer programming, data science, climate or related physical science.

Qualifications

Required Education: 

• Bachelors and two (2) years or more experience; 

Desired Education: 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business or other related scientific or technical discipline.

Qualifications:

• Significant Experience with R Programming language
• Experience in statistics / applied mathematics
• Demonstrated documentation ability in a variety of documentation formats e.g. wiki, google sites, etc.
• Experience with version control tools, such as git
• Support the investigation and debugging of incidents, installation, modification or manipulation of code
• Experience working independently, balancing and prioritizing work

Clearance:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

Overview

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation's technology transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, digital, artificial intelligence, and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions.

We are approximately 26,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is core to our values and important to attract and retain exceptional talent. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.4 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.