Scientist or Mathematician for Global Navigation Verification

Computational Physics, Inc. seeks a scientist or mathematician to support our customers at the United States Naval Observatory in the area of verification of astro-geophysical parameters derived from global navigation system data.

Background

The U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) provides precise time, Earth orientation and astronomical data to the U.S. Department of Defense, the Global Positioning System (GPS), various U.S. Federal agencies, and other international organizations, commercial and scientific users world-wide. The USNO Earth Orientation (EO) Department generates Earth Orientation Parameters using observations made by GPS receivers and very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) and provides multiple data products on a regular schedule.

The GPS Analysis Division of the EO Department serves as an Analysis Center for the International GNSS Service (IGS) contributing an estimation of EOPs and satellite orbits derived from analysis data from a global network of over 500 GPS/GNSS receivers for ingestion into the official IGS combination, which is an authoritative source for EOPs and GPS/GNSS orbital data. Monitoring and verifying the accuracy and validity of the IGS combination products is critical to the EO mission and is the main focus of this position.

The Work

The successful candidate will develop techniques and algorithms to monitor and verify the GNSS data series that are ingested into the EOP processing. He or she will also assist in the development of techniques and algorithms to monitor and verify IGS data series which may be ingested into the EOP processes in the future. He or she will also develop techniques to validate the IGS open-source software that is being used to produce some of the publicly available IGS products.

Location, Telework, Clearance, Salary

The position is located at the USNO in Washington, D.C. Partial telework may be authorized. A clearance is not required before the start of employment but the process for obtaining a secret-level clearance will be started at the beginning of employment. The expected salary range for this position is $100,000 - $135,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

• Academic degree in geodesy, geophysics, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
• At least six years of experience (bachelor's degree) or three years of experience (master's or doctorate). Study time toward an advanced degree may count toward experience.
• Experience in orbit determination and/or parameter estimation.
• Ability to develop and write scripts and software, Python is preferred, to process and analyze orbits and data in the Linux operating environment.
• Ability to write standard operating procedures and diagnostic manuals for the software and procedures developed in support of research activity
• U.S. Citizenship is required by our contract with the Navy.
• Eligibility to obtain a Secret-level security clearance upon hiring. (An existing clearance is not required to apply.)

About CPI

We love science! We study the physical properties of the Earth and our atmosphere, neighboring planets, and the sun. We make the study of science practical by translating our findings into products, both hardware and software, that make our customer's lives easier and better. CPI has served various U.S. Government agencies, universities, international science organizations, prime contractors, as well as commercial customers for 40 years. CPI is an employee-owned company - our team members receive company stock. Employee ownership motivates and empowers increased productivity, contribution to the longevity of the business, improved retention, and enhanced employee engagement.

Why Work for Us?

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
• Positive, upbeat, and transparent company culture with opportunities for self-development and career advancement.
• Employee-owned small business that allows team members to learn from each other and take ownership.

Benefits:

• 401(k), Profit Sharing and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Disability insurance (short-term and long-term)
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health, Dental and Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental Leave
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement

CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. https://www.cpi.com/index.html#contact