Join our Team

List of Open Positions

Software Engineer

Pasadena, CA

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world’s brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.


Job Summary

Join our visionary team at Caltech as a Software Engineer for the Climate Modeling Alliance (CliMA), where innovation meets environmental stewardship. This unique opportunity allows you to be at the forefront of developing the first Earth system model (ESM) that learns from a variety of data — from Earth observations from space and the ground to high-resolution simulations and experimental data. As part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, you’ll contribute to a project with global impact, pushing the boundaries of climate science..

Essential Job Duties

You will:

  • Drive Innovation: Engage in an ambitious scientific endeavor that promises to achieve a step change in the accuracy and usability of climate predictions.
  • Solve Complex Problems: Use your analytical toolkit to develop mathematical models and software that bridges computational science, applied mathematics, and Earth system science.
  • Lead Technological Advancement: Employ your computational science expertise and domain-specific expertise to create cutting-edge, high-performance software suitable for the next-generation of supercomputing hardware with heterogeneous manycore architectures.
  • Collaborate on Groundbreaking Solutions: Work alongside top scientists and GPU programming experts to devise and implement novel software solutions for climate modeling challenges.
  • Enhance Software Excellence: Play a crucial role in the development and integration of an open-source software system, prioritizing code quality, documentation, scalability, and resilience.
  • Foster Creativity and Collaboration: Join a project that values creative contributions, encouraging close collaboration with specialists in climate science, machine learning, and applied mathematics.
  • Thrive in Diversity: Be part of a welcoming and diverse community, dedicated to making a difference in the world through groundbreaking research and innovation.

 

Basic Qualifications

  • Educational Foundation: A completed Bachelor of Science or equivalent degree in a quantitative discipline such as Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or Earth Science.
  • Programming Proficiency: Demonstrated experience with at least two programming languages. Whether your strength lies in C, C++, C#, Fortran, Python, Julia, or another language, your coding skills will be crucial to developing sophisticated software solutions.
  • Computing Expertise: Experience with high-performance computing systems, including knowledge of multicore processors, GPUs, and performance profiling.
  • Collaborative Spirit: A proven track record of working effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Specialized Knowledge: Background in Earth Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency with source control, collaborative coding, and continuous integration tools.
  • Project Experience: Demonstrated involvement in developing large software projects with distributed contributors, especially in open-source environments.
  • Numerical Proficiency: Expertise in numerical methods for partial differential equations and/or numerical linear algebra, supported by coursework or research.
  • Julia Programming: Familiarity with the Julia language, particularly in package development and performance optimization.

We are on the lookout for someone who not only meets these qualifications but is also eager to learn, adapt, and contribute to a project that has the potential to transform our understanding and approach to climate science. If you are ready to apply your skills to a cause that matters, we would love for you to apply.

Required Documents

  • Resume (including links to public code contributions, if available).
  • A brief (less than one page) statement highlighting relevant experience and career goals.

For more information about CliMA and this position, please contact us at clima@caltech.edu.

Hiring Range

$90,000 to $140,000 per year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefitsand staff perks.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

Postdoctoral Scholars in Climate Science and Modeling

Pasadena, CA

The Climate Modeling Alliance (CliMA) at Caltech invites applications for Postdoctoral Scholar positions. This unique opportunity allows you to be at the forefront of developing the first Earth system model (ESM) that learns from a variety of data — from Earth observations from space and the ground to high-resolution simulations and experimental data. As part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, you’ll contribute to a project with global impact while pushing the boundaries of climate science.

Research Focus Areas

We are seeking postdoctoral scholars interested in working at the intersection of fundamental climate science and data-driven research, with potential focus areas including but not limited to:

  • Advancing cloud microphysics parameterizations through physics-based models combined with data-driven insights.
  • Developing innovative approaches to model aerosols and cloud-aerosol interactions, combining new conceptual models with learning unknown parameters and functions from observational data.
  • Advancing and scaling up data assimilation and machine learning methods for climate models.

Qualifications

  • A Ph.D. in applied mathematics, atmospheric or oceanic sciences, computer science, engineering, physics, statistics, or a related field at the time of appointment.
  • A strong background in physical, mathematical, and/or computational sciences.
  • Proficiency in at least one general-purpose programming language.
  • Demonstrated effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with climate models.
  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and interacting cross-functionally with diverse groups.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • A one-page statement of research interests
  • Three letters of recommendation

For more information or to apply, please contact us at clima@caltech.edu or visit our application portal.

Join us at CliMA and contribute to shaping the future of climate modeling and science!