Atmospheric Lidar Specialist

Job Description:

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is seeking an experienced Atmospheric Lidar Specialist to support research and development activities focused on improving spaceborne lidar data quality and calibration for future missions. This position supports the Research, Science and Engineering Services (RSES) contract at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA.

Local telework is allowed but the successful applicant must live within a reasonable commuting distance to attend onsite meetings as needed.

The successful candidate will lead algorithm assessments, calibration evaluations, and provide recommendations for operational implementation in next-generation lidar systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Noise Reduction Analysis:

  • Investigate algorithmic approaches for reducing noise in aerosol and cloud lidar profile measurements for future missions.

  • Evaluate removal of shot-noise and noise spikes from exoatmospheric radiation sources for PMT and APD detectors.

  • Compare CALIPSO and EarthCare layer averaging methods with newer techniques such as:

    • Density-Dimension Algorithm (DDA)

    • Poisson-based statistical methods

    • Adaptive machine learning approaches

  • Assess calibration impacts and propose integration strategies for operational data processing systems.

• Calibration Performance Assessment:

  • Evaluate calibration techniques for attenuated elastic backscatter across detector types (PMTs, APDs, SPCMs).

  • Assess calibration methods for depolarization signals.

• Reporting:

  • Deliver a comprehensive technical report summarizing findings, performance comparisons, and recommendations by August 30, 2026.

This position will end on September 30, 2026.

The hourly rate for this position is estimated to be between $84.00 and $94.00 an hour, dependent on education and relevant experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's of Science degree (B.S.) in Atmospheric Science, Remote Sensing, Physics, or related field.

• A minimum of 30 years of demonstrated experience with lidar calibration techniques, algorithm development and data product validation.

• Significant experience with spaceborne lidar systems (elastic backscatter, Raman, HSRL) for cloud and aerosol optical property retrieval.

• Expertise in lidar signal calibration and algorithm development for higher-order data products (e.g., layer detection, aerosol/cloud classification).

• Familiarity with lidar signal denoising techniques from peer-reviewed literature and emerging innovations.

• Strong understanding of error sources and propagation from measurement acquisition through data production.

• Proven publication record in lidar algorithm development, calibration, and applications.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience related to CALIPSO, ICESAT, ALICAT and EarthCare data products is highly desired.

• Experience with CALIPSO, EarthCare, or similar missions.

• Knowledge of advanced statistical methods and machine learning for signal processing.

• Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality technical documentation.

US Citizenship or Permanent Residence is required.

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.