Programmer Analyst

Overview
We are looking for an IT professional with software programming experience. The team of twenty software/system/network specialists supports the operations and maintenance of the ground systems for NOAA's environmental-monitoring satellite missions. Data from our missions is used in weather forecasting, climate research, forest fire detection, search and rescue, and much more. We provide full-time onsite IT support in collaboration with government technical leads at the Satellite Operations Facility, maintaining and improving the functionality and cybersecurity of the servers, workstations, software, and other devices.

Position Description
This role is part programmer, part software trainer, part cybersecurity advisor with a focus on the continuous operation of mission software through bug fixes, feature enhancements, and integrating IT cybersecurity vulnerability remediation. The primary functions of the software under your purview are preparing and sending commands to the satellite; receiving, displaying, processing, and moving satellite data; and scheduling and transitioning primary control of these functions among the redundant servers at multiple sites. This person will need to understand the system architecture, learn the use case of all servers and workstations in the inventory, and the user functionality of all software, both custom-developed and COTS.

When operational issues occur, you will use your broad knowledge of the software to lead the troubleshooting by coordinating tests with system and network administrators. When a custom software package is the root cause, either from a bug or operator error, you will design and implement code modifications to reduce or eliminate potential recurrence of the issue. Likewise, when cybersecurity vulnerabilities require updates or changes to the system/software configurations, you will be instrumental in assessing potential impacts to the ground system and coordinating the implementation, regression testing, and integration of the remediation. When users have difficulty with or finding inefficiencies in the functionality of the software, they will bring such complaints to you who might train the user in the usage or design and implement software or process changes to alleviate the issue. Additional responsibilities include:

• System architecture and software expert.
• Troubleshooting and debugging real-time anomalies.
• Integrating system cybersecurity vulnerability remediation.
• Coding feature enhancements to improve efficiency or automation.
• Deploying software in coordination with satellite operations.

Required Skills
5+ years of experience leading to the ability to successfully complete bug fixes, feature enhancements, and integrating IT cybersecurity vulnerability remediation. Must have strong communication skills. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to enter the applicable government facility.

Education
Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, related, or equivalent.

Work Location
Work will be performed on-site at NSOF in Suitland, MD.

Salary
The salary range for this role is $42,000 - $167,000/year. This range is a good faith estimate based on similar roles across the organization. ERT uses several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the position's scope and expected duties, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Benefits
All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Professional Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Competitive compensation plan
• Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance
• Publication and Conference Presentation Awards with bonuses

ERT is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Equal Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.