Job Details

Principal Scientist, Coastal Ocean Modeling & Prediction

Locations: Norfolk, VA

Can We Predict the Future of Our Coasts?

How can we build numerical models powerful enough to forecast coastal inundation, enhance maritime safety, and safeguard our coastal communities against emerging threats?

What does the next generation of operational oceanography look like, and who will architect it?

@Orchard LLC is seeking a visionary scientist to help answer these questions. We are assembling an expert team to support the mission of the Office of Coastal Survey (OCS), and we are looking for a leader in ocean modeling to drive scientific and technological innovation.

This is a rare opportunity to move beyond pure research and apply your expertise to solve problems of national importance. You will not only advance the science but also see your work directly inform the systems that protect lives, property, and our nation's economic vitality.

Your Mission: To Architect the Next Wave of Oceanographic Systems

As a Principal Scientist, your role will be to conceptualize, design, and guide the implementation of the advanced modeling and data systems that will define the future of coastal surveying and prediction.

Your scientific and technical leadership will involve:

• Spearheading Advanced Modeling: Lead the development, validation, and application of sophisticated numerical ocean models (e.g., ROMS, FVCOM, ADCIRC, SCHISM) to solve critical challenges in coastal science.
• Designing a Modern Data Ecosystem: Be a primary architect of our data strategy. You will design and champion innovative approaches for the entire data lifecycle—from processing in a High-Performance Computing (HPC) environment to implementing robust metadata standards and ensuring public dissemination.
• Shaping a High-Tech Infrastructure: Serve as a key technical advisor, collaborating with IT and engineering teams to shape the future of our cloud and HPC infrastructure, ensuring it can support next-generation modeling capabilities.
• Solving Foundational Problems: Apply your deep analytical skills to resolve complex data management issues, develop and implement data policy, and ensure the scientific integrity of all data products served by the program office.

The Profile of a Principal Scientist

You are a seasoned computational scientist with a deep passion for physical oceanography and a proven track record of solving complex problems through numerical modeling and data analysis.

Required Background & Expertise:

• An advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master's) in Marine Science, Physical Oceanography, Coastal Engineering, or a similar quantitative field.
• A decade of cumulative experience (10+ years) in academic research and/or professional roles centered on coastal ocean science and numerical modeling.
• Deep proficiency in at least one scientific programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Fortran) and extensive experience working in Linux and High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments.
• A strong command of version control and collaborative coding practices using tools like Git/GitHub.
• Exceptional problem analysis and resolution skills, with the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and external stakeholders.

Highly Desired Experience:

• Significant hands-on experience with one or more operational ocean models (ROMS, FVCOM, ADCIRC, SCHISM, etc.) is a major plus and will set you apart.
• Working knowledge of NOAA's operational ocean modeling systems and procedures.

If you are ready to lead at the confluence of science, technology, and public service, we invite you to apply and help us build a more resilient and predictable future for our coasts.

Established in 2010, @Orchard LLC has an exceptional reputation, providing staffing solutions to time-sensitive, talent scarcity issues to deliver better talent management ROI. Our specialty lies in the critical area of program talent acquisition and resource management, not in one narrow skillset, but across many areas of technical and functional delivery. To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atOrchard.com.