Research Software Engineer (Python)

We are seeking a Research Software Engineer (A2) to contribute to the application of the Forecast-in-a-Box concept within the framework of the Destination Earth (DestinE) initiative of the European Commission.
Destination Earth is developing Digital Twins of the Earth system, combining high-resolution numerical and machine learning (ML) models. In this context, the Forecast-in-a-Box encapsulates a portable, reproducible and scalable environment that supports experimentation, deployment and downstream product generation for a range of ML models, delivering a fully packaged ML-based modelling chain to users. This builds on ECMWF’s software stack, which also underpins Destination Earth’s Digital Twin Engine.
This includes ensuring robustness, scalability and performance across distributed high-performance computing and cloud environments and supporting the integration of new post-processing pipelines within the framework.
Working closely with ECMWF scientists, software engineers and Digital Twin Engine developers, you will support the integration of ML models and outputs into coherent, automated workflows. The position sits in the Data Processing Services Team in the Development Section in the Forecast and Services Department. You will join a dynamic group working on AI/ML workflows, distributed computing and large-scale data processing. The team plays a central role in evolving ECMWF’s operational post-processing framework and in connecting research innovation with production-grade forecasting systems.

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a world leader in Numerical Weather Predictions providing high-quality data for weather forecasts and environmental monitoring. As an intergovernmental organisation, we collaborate internationally to serve our members and the wider community with global weather predictions, data and training activities that are critical to contribute to safe and thriving societies.
The success of our activities depends on the funding and partnerships of the 35 Member and Co-operating States who provide the support and direction of our work. Our talented staff together with the international scientific community, and our powerful supercomputing capabilities, are the core of a 24/7 research and operational centre with a focus on medium and long-range predictions. We also hold one of the largest meteorological data archives in the world.
Other areas of work include High Performance Computing and the development of digital tools that enable ECMWF to extend provision of data and products covering weather, climate, air quality, fire and flood prediction and monitoring.
Deliver global numerical weather predictions focusing on the medium-range and monitoring of the Earth system to and with our Member States
ECMWF is a multi-site organisation, with its headquarters in Reading, UK, a data centre in Bologna, Italy, and a large presence in Bonn, Germany, as a central location for our EU-related activities. ECMWF is responsible for the delivery of these digital twins and of the Digital Twin engine, the software infrastructure needed to power the digital twins on the European HPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC) and ECMWF’s supercomputers and to handle and enable access to their data via the DestinE infrastructure, as well as for a range of Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning (AI/ML) activities. These include developments towards an ML Earth system model and a range of AI solutions that increase system interactivity and usability of digital twin data.
Collaborate with Digital Twin Engine developers and ECMWF partners to align Forecast-in-a-Box execution workflows with DestinE standards and services.Develop technical documentation, reproducible examples and training materials to support knowledge transfer and long-term sustainability.Contribute to ECMWF’s open-source software ecosystem, including projects such as Anemoi and Earthkit. Dedication, passion, and enthusiasm to succeed both individually and across teams of developers.Advanced university degree (EQ7 level or above) or equivalent professional experience in computer science or engineering, computational science, physics or natural sciences, mathematics, or a related discipline. Experience in developing and maintaining object-oriented software in Python within structured or modular frameworks.Experience collaborating with developers and end users to gather requirements, incorporate feedback and plan technical developments.Experience contributing to large-scale software projects, preferably open-source and/or involving multiple interoperable components.Experience designing or implementing machine learning workflows is an advantage.Experience developing software for high-availability operational environments is an advantage.Competence in software engineering, preferably in Python.Demonstrated ability of programming in UNIX/Linux systems.Ability to write software in a distributed computing or scientific computing environment.Knowledge of Machine Learning workflows and processing on GPUs is an advantage. Candidates must be able to work effectively in English; knowledge of one of the Centre’s other working languages (French or German) is an advantage.
Applicants are invited to complete the online application form by clicking on the apply button below.
We value the benefits derived from a diverse workforce and are committed to having staff that reflect the diversity of the countries that are part of our community, in an environment that nurtures equality and inclusion.