About the position
Lynker, a Federal Government Contractor, is seeking to fill a full-time position supporting the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). Space Weather refers to variations in the space environment between the sun and Earth that can affect technologies in space and on Earth. Space weather is primarily driven by solar storm phenomena that include coronal mass ejections, solar flares, solar particle events and solar wind. These phenomena that are directed toward Earth are potential drivers of space weather events that can disrupt communications, satellite and airline operations, navigation and surveying systems, as well as electric power grids across large geographic regions on Earth. Space weather is a global issue and an understanding of solar storm phenomena is an important component to SWPC’s success at developing accurate space weather forecasts (event onset, location, duration, and magnitude). The UI/UX Scientific Application Developer - level I supports SWPC by implementing intuitive, accessible, and responsive web interfaces that communicate critical space weather information. This position is an early-career opportunity ideal for individuals who want to contribute to the modernization of SWPC's web presence and Testbed applications. Working closely with the Web and Testbed teams as well as other developers in the Technology Division, the developer will translate scientific and operational requirements into clean, user-centered designs, and support front-end implementation using contemporary web technologies.
Responsibilities
- Design user-friendly, responsive interfaces for SWPC’s web applications and product delivery systems.
- Assist in the development of wireframes, mockups, and prototypes based on stakeholder input and usability goals.
- Implement and maintain front-end interfaces using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and frontend frameworks.
- Collaborate with developers and scientists to align user experience goals with backend infrastructure and content delivery requirements.
- Conduct basic usability testing and synthesize user feedback into actionable design improvements.
- Support visual design consistency across SWPC Testbed and production environments.
- Assist in integrating UI designs into Drupal or other CMS platforms, maintaining mobile accessibility and Section 508 compliance.
- Document UI workflows, design standards, and reusable components to promote team collaboration and design consistency.
- Monitor web analytics and feedback mechanisms to inform continuous design improvements.
Requirements
- At least a Master’s degree in atmospheric science, space physics, geophysics, engineering, computer science, graphic design, human-computer interaction, or mathematics from an accredited institution and at least 8 years of experience in related areas.
- Familiarity with front-end development technologies including HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and responsive design techniques.
- Experience using design tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch) to build wireframes and UI mockups.
- Ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and follow guidance from senior developers and team leads.
- Knowledge of accessibility standards, security and usability principles for public-facing web content.
- Strong attention to detail, communication, documentation, and task ownership.
Nice-to-haves
- Exposure to Drupal or similar CMS platforms, especially in theming or content structuring.
- Basic understanding of user research methods such as surveys, user interviews, or A/B testing.
- Interest or coursework in space science, atmospheric physics, or scientific visualization.
- Familiarity with web API integration and visualizing scientific data in browser-based environments.
- Experience with Git or other version control systems.
- Ability to communicate design intent and usability rationale effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
Benefits
- Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
- Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
- Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
- Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
- 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
- Flexible spending accounts
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Life and accident insurance
- Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
- Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
- Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
- Employee Referral Program
- Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
- Personalized career growth plans for every employee
