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Atmosphere Model Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Data Modeler

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Data Modeler LOCATION Chantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position ... With direct access to company leadership, a laid-back and inclusive atmosphere, and exceptional ...

Familiarity with sensor calibration, atmospheric modeling, physics-based exploitation, and sensor phenomenology. * Experience with machine learning or artificial intelligence methods applied to ...

Familiarity with sensor calibration, atmospheric modeling, physics-based exploitation, and sensor phenomenology. * Experience with machine learning or artificial intelligence methods applied to ...

Familiarity with sensor calibration, atmospheric modeling, physics-based exploitation, and sensor phenomenology. * Experience with machine learning or artificial intelligence methods applied to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Atmosphere Model information

See Washington salary details

$11

$35

$75

How much do atmosphere model jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for atmosphere model in Washington is $35.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.49 and $44.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an atmosphere model?

An atmosphere model is a mathematical or computational representation of the Earth's atmosphere, used to simulate and predict atmospheric processes such as weather, climate, and air quality. These models use physics, chemistry, and data from observations to describe how air moves, how clouds form, and how energy is transferred within the atmosphere. Scientists and meteorologists rely on atmosphere models to forecast weather, study climate change, and assess environmental impacts. There are different types of models, ranging from simple to highly complex, depending on the purpose and scale of the study.

What are some common challenges faced by atmospheric modelers and how can they be addressed?

Atmospheric modelers often encounter challenges such as handling large datasets, integrating diverse sources of environmental data, and ensuring the accuracy of simulations. They must also stay current with evolving modeling software and computational techniques. Collaborating closely with meteorologists, climate scientists, and data analysts can help address these challenges by sharing expertise and refining models. Continuous professional development and participating in interdisciplinary research projects also support overcoming technical and scientific hurdles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an atmospheric modeler, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Atmospheric Modeler, you need a strong background in atmospheric science, mathematics, and computer programming, usually supported by a degree in meteorology, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with modeling software like WRF or CMAQ, programming languages such as Python or Fortran, and experience working with climate data sets are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting results and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These capabilities are vital for producing accurate atmospheric predictions and informing decisions related to weather forecasting, climate research, and environmental policy.

What is the difference between Atmosphere Model vs Atmospheric Scientist?

AspectAtmosphere ModelAtmospheric Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in atmospheric science, meteorology, or related fields; familiarity with modeling softwareRequires a degree in atmospheric science, meteorology, or related fields; often includes research experience
Work EnvironmentPrimarily involves working with computer models, simulations, and data analysis in research or government labsConducts fieldwork, data collection, and analysis; may work in labs, offices, or outdoors
Industry UsageUsed by climate research centers, weather agencies, and environmental organizations for forecasting and climate modelingEmployed by research institutions, government agencies, and universities for studying atmospheric phenomena

While an Atmosphere Model focuses on developing and running simulations of atmospheric processes, an Atmospheric Scientist conducts research, data collection, and analysis to understand weather and climate patterns. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Atmosphere Model jobs in Washington? For Atmosphere Model jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Atmosphere Model jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Atmosphere Model jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Atmosphere Model jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Atmosphere Model job openings:
Infographic showing various Atmosphere Model job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, and 53% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,897 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Applied Physicist - EO/IR, Quantum Sensors, Optics & Atmospheric with Security Clearance

Alaire Technologies, Inc

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Senior Physicist / Applied Physicist – EO/IR, Quantum Sensors, Optics & Atmospheric Modeling Location: Alexandria, VA / Washington, DC (Hybrid options may be available) Join Alaire Technologies
Alaire Technologies develops advanced sensing, imaging, and signal processing technologies that
provide the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with next-generation operational capabilities. We are
seeking an exceptional PhD-level scientist to develop cutting-edge electro-optical, infrared, laser,
and quantum sensing technologies for challenging maritime and littoral environments.
If your expertise includes optics, photonics, laser systems, atmospheric propagation, quantum
sensing, radiative transfer, or advanced sensor algorithms, we would love to speak with you. Position Overview
We are seeking a PhD Physicist, Applied Physicist, Optical Physicist, Quantum Scientist, or
Atmospheric Scientist to develop advanced sensor algorithms and physics-based models
supporting next-generation Navy sensing systems.
This role combines theoretical physics, numerical modeling, signal processing, image
processing, atmospheric propagation, and experimental validation to improve the
performance of advanced electro-optical, infrared, laser, and quantum sensors.
The ideal candidate has experience developing mathematical models, validating
algorithms against experimental data, and solving complex problems involving real-world
sensing systems. Key Responsibilities - Design, develop, and validate advanced signal processing and image processing algorithms for EO/IR, laser, lidar, radar, and quantum sensing systems. - Develop atmospheric propagation, turbulence, scattering, aerosol, and radiative transfer models for maritime and littoral environments. - Perform modeling, simulation, and performance prediction for advanced sensing systems. - Develop detection, tracking, classification, target recognition, change detection, and sensor fusion algorithms. - Analyze laboratory and field-collected sensor data to calibrate, validate, and improve performance models. - Support optical system modeling, sensor characterization, and algorithm optimization. , - Collaborate with engineers, physicists, and government customers to transition research into operational software. - Participate in laboratory testing, field experiments, and at-sea demonstrations. - Prepare technical reports, white papers, peer-reviewed publications, and customer presentations. Required Qualifications PhD in one of the following: - Physics - Applied Physics - Optical Physics - Electrical Engineering - Atmospheric Science - Photonics - Optical Engineering - Quantum Science - or a closely related technical discipline Experience in several of the following: − Electro-optical (EO) systems − Infrared (IR) imaging − EO/IR sensors − Laser systems − Photonics − Optical engineering − Atmospheric propagation − Atmospheric turbulence − Radiative transfer − Scattering theory − Aerosol modeling − Signal processing − Image processing − Sensor algorithms − Statistical detection − Target tracking − Machine learning for sensing applications , − Numerical modeling − Computational physics − Sensor calibration − Experimental design − Performance modeling − Sensor validation Programming experience with one or more of: − Python − MATLAB − C − C++ − CUDA − Julia Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting: − U.S. Navy − Marine Corps − DARPA − AFRL − NRL − Naval Research Laboratory − DoD laboratories − Government R&D organizations Experience with: − Lidar − Radar − EO/IR systems − Laser sensing − Optical imaging − Remote sensing − Sensor fusion − High Performance Computing (HPC) − GPU computing , − MBSE − Digital engineering Highly Desired (Quantum Sensor Experience) Candidates with experience in quantum technologies are especially encouraged to apply. Examples include: − Quantum sensors − Quantum optics − Quantum photonics − Quantum metrology − Atomic physics − AMO Physics − Precision measurement − Laser spectroscopy − Cold atom systems − Atom interferometry − Optical frequency standards − Quantum magnetometers − Quantum gravimeters − Quantum inertial navigation − Quantum accelerometers − Quantum gyroscopes − Quantum clocks − NV-center sensing − Atomic clocks − Optical clocks − Frequency combs − Bose-Einstein Condensates − Optical trapping − Laser cooling Ideal Background ,We are interested in scientists who have worked in areas such as: − Optical Physics − Applied Physics − Quantum Physics − Experimental Physics − Computational Physics − Atmospheric Physics − Photonics − Laser Physics − Remote Sensing − Electro-Optics − Infrared Imaging − Imaging Science − Computer Vision − Signal Processing − Sensor Development − Defense Research − Naval Sensing − Aerospace Sensors