Scientist, Plume Modeling and Forecasting

Reflective

. Lead plume forecasting for balloon-based tracer campaigns with external partners .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeRemote • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $130,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in plume forecasting and large-eddy simulations, with a strong ability to translate complex model results into actionable insights for field campaigns. Proficient in high-performance computing and effective communication across interdisciplinary teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Atmospheric ScienceLarge-Eddy SimulationsPlume ForecastingPython ProgrammingMission Science Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Plume-Scale SimulationsForecast Uncertainty QuantificationNumerical Experiment ModelingDilution Rate CalculationParameterization Development

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsInterdisciplinary CollaborationProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

FortranHigh-Performance ComputingJAX

Industry Keywords

Atmospheric ScienceFluid DynamicsTracer CampaignsField StudyBalloon-Based Campaigns

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead plume forecasting for balloon-based tracer campaigns with external partners
Develop and evaluate plume forecasting capabilities over 24- to 72-hour horizons
Quantify forecast uncertainty and its implications for search patterns and instrument settings
Translate forecast results into observing-team requirements, including viewing geometry, altitude, timing, and plume extent
Model detailed plume evolution for numerical experiments testing observing suites and sampling cadences
Verify forecasts against tracer-campaign observations and report failures
Own plume-scale large-eddy and plume-resolving simulations from release through dispersion
Convert plume-scale results into dilution rates, effective source terms, and parameterizations for the global framework
Serve as the experiment team’s point of contact for plume-scale questions
If a field study proceeds, serve as mission scientist with real-time forecast updates, go/no-go input, and sampling direction

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in atmospheric science, fluid dynamics, or a closely related field, or equivalent research experience
Experience running high-resolution or large-eddy simulations of dispersing material and comparing them against measurements
Hands-on forecasting or mission-science experience on an airborne or balloon field campaign
Comfortable in Python and, ideally, Fortran on high-performance computing systems
Ability to clearly state what a model result does and does not support and document it for others
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proven track record working well across disciplines and with external partners
Passion for Reflective’s mission
Experience with JAX or other differentiable modeling frameworks strongly preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, vision insurance
401(k)
Professional and personal development
Generous paid time off and sick leave, including 12 weeks paid parental leave
Flexible working hours
Moving stipend to support candidates who relocate to the Bay Area
Professional learning and training opportunities