Meteorological Data Scientist

WindBorne Systems is supercharging weather forecasts with a unique proprietary data source: a global constellation of next-generation smart weather balloons targeting the most critical atmospheric data. We design, manufacture, and operate our own balloons, using the data they collect to generate otherwise unattainable weather intelligence.

Our mission is to eliminate weather uncertainty, and in the process help humanity adapt to climate change, be that predicting hurricanes or speeding the adoption of renewables. We are building a future in which the planet is instrumented by thousands of our microballoons, eliminating gaps in our understanding of the planet and giving people and businesses the information they need to make critical decisions. 

WindBorne is seeking a Meteorological Data Scientist to contribute to the improvement of weather forecasting and climate analyses. As a member of the weather team, you’ll incorporate WindBorne’s unique state-of-the-art balloon constellation observations into the most advanced weather prediction systems. You’ll work with our team of scientists, engineers and flight controllers to influence the collection and use of observations from start to finish, beginning with balloon flight and ending with insights to help consumers, businesses and governments adapt to changing weather and climate.

Responsibilities

• Analyze WindBorne’s in-situ observations and implement updated quality control algorithms to assure that all high quality data can be used by our clients

• Monitor weather on a daily basis to provide insight for observation collection and forecast operations

• Create compelling visualizations of in-situ data and numerical weather prediction forecast output to elegantly show the impact of WindBorne observations

• Work with the team to refine data assimilation systems to optimally utilize WindBorne  observations 

• Effectively communicate technical results to scientific and business audiences 

Skills and Qualifications

Required Skills

• Strong background in atmospheric sciences and weather analysis

• Ability to envision and create compelling displays of weather observations and weather forecast  data using python

• Knowledge of common observational data including weather radar, weather satellite, surface and upper air observations

• Ability to recognize poor quality atmospheric observations and to recommend software and hardware changes that would lead to improved data quality 

• Strong understanding of statistical methods, especially those used to validate observation quality and verify weather forecasts 

• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with others

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences or related field is preferred

• Scrappiness

Additional Beneficial Skills

• Experience running data assimilation systems such as DART, GSI or JEDI and weather prediction systems such as GFS, WRF, IFS or MPAS

• Scientific programming experience using C, C++ and/or Fortran

• Ability to create continually-updating graphical web pages

We're dedicated to helping humanity adapt to climate change as fast as possible, and you can be a part of our mission to make this global societal impact. If you like the idea of working on cutting-edge technology, and working with a fast-moving team, WindBorne is the place for you.

Benefits

• 401(k)

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

• Unlimited PTO

• Incentive Stock Option Plan

Location

In person at our 858 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA headquarter office or at our future Boston area satellite office.