About us
[C]Worthy is a non-profit research organization operating like a fast-moving, deep-tech startup. Our singular objective is to enable trustworthy, transparent, science-based quantification of ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR). We are adapting open-source oceanographic modeling and data assimilation tools — developed over decades by scientists and software engineers at public and academic institutions — to establish a fit-for-purpose system for mCDR assessments.
Position Description
[C]Worthy is building a software system called C-Star, which is an ocean modeling, data management, and workflow orchestration framework for supporting standardized methodologies for quantification and impact assessments related to commercial deployments of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) technologies. We are seeking a senior-level software engineer to lead the development of C-Star’s software infrastructure. The Lead Software Engineer will be a key member [C]Worthy’s technical leadership team, co-leading the overall development of C-Star with 1 to 2 other scientific leads and reporting up to the [C]Worthy Executive team. The ideal candidate should have a balance of technical expertise, geophysical/Earth system modeling domain knowledge, as well as excellent leadership and communication skills. As a member of a relatively small and agile team, the Lead Software Engineer will work both as an individual contributor and as a higher-level technical manager of C-Star infrastructure. The Lead SE will help grow the [C]Worthy software engineering team, taking on a technical manager role as needed. We welcome applicants from a diversity of backgrounds. We are particularly interested in individuals with strong motivation and interest in building technological solutions needed for climate change mitigation. We sustain a welcoming and inclusive culture and a vibrant, intellectually and socially stimulating work environment.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the architecture for the C-Star software system—including authoring the C-Star technical roadmap, designing a release schedule, and defining feature-sets associated with releases.
- Work with domain experts to design scalable and modular software components for simulating ocean circulation and biogeochemical processes.
- Collaborate with scientists, researchers, and commercial stakeholders to understand modeling system requirements and translate them into software specifications.
- Write, review, and optimize code to ensure efficiency, reliability, and maintainability.
- Advise on and implement parallel computing techniques to optimize model performance on high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
- Manage the coupling of different model components and forcing datasets, ensuring seamless interactions and data exchange.
- Develop strategies for efficient storage and retrieval of large volumes of model output data.
- Implement and manage version control systems to track changes to the codebase.
- Establish continuous integration frameworks and testing infrastructure; enforce coding standards and best practices.
- Conduct thorough testing and validation of codes to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Establish frameworks and facilitate the creation of comprehensive documentation for the software, including user manuals and technical documentation.
- Stay abreast of advances in geophysical modeling, software development, data-intensive workflows, and high performance computing.
- Continuously evaluate and incorporate new technologies and methodologies to improve software and the development processes.
- Report on progress and make high-level recommendations to the Executive Leadership Team.
- Represent C-Star to external stakeholders.
Qualifications
- A bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Earth System Science, Oceanography, or a related field.
- Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in scientific computing, such as Fortran, C, C++, Julia, and/or Python.
- Experience with parallel programming and optimization techniques for HPC environments.
- Knowledge of geophysical modeling frameworks and tools, such as the Community Earth System Model (CESM), the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), or the Modular Ocean Model (MOM).
- Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) and software development best practices.
- Understanding of DevOps practices and tools for continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD).
- Proven experience leading a software engineer team or acting in a similar position of responsibility and accountability. Strong software architecture and design skills, including the ability to design and implement scalable, modular, and maintainable software systems.
- The ability to lead and mentor a team of software developers.
- The ability to plan, coordinate, and execute software development projects.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and staying informed about advancements in geophysical modeling and software development.
Preferred Attributes
- Previous experience working on or leading projects related to Earth system, climate, or (preferably) oceanographic modeling.
- Familiarity with numerical methods and algorithms used in Earth system models.
- In-depth understanding of Earth system processes and dynamics, including knowledge of the ocean carbon carbon cycle and biogeochemistry.
- Knowledge of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and experience in deploying and managing applications in cloud environments.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and translating scientific requirements into software specifications.
- Experience with Agile development methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban.
- Familiarity, comfort working with advanced statistical methods, data assimilation, artificial intelligence, and/or machine learning.
Benefits
- Competitive salary: $183K-$210 per year depending on position fit and experience
- Health, vision, and dental insurance
- Wellness benefit
- Paid time off
- Flexible spending accounts for health care or childcare
- 401(k) retirement fund with matching employer contributions
Location
- [C]Worthy is based in Boulder, Colorado, and seeks to build a strong collaborative team. We prefer that employees spend significant time working together in person in our Boulder office, however approval for remote or hybrid work is possible.
We aim to help fill a structural gap in today's R&D system. We enable fundamental research that requires unusual levels of scale and coordination yet is not rapidly monetizable by industry. We’re bringing together top talent from academia, industry, and startups to build a new model for innovative R&D. As an incubator within the Schmidt Futures Network, we identify high-impact scientific or technical research and development opportunities, ultimately defining and launching these projects as Focused Research Organizations.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law or company policy. We strive for a healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.
