Research Software Engineer - Forecast-in-a-Box (DestinE) in Somerset

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. In this role, you will contribute to the development and implementation of the execution workflows that enable the Forecast-in-a-Box to interface seamlessly with ECMWF’s operational forecasting and post-processing pipelines, 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, ensuring these workflows are reproducible, maintainable, operationally viable and integrate seamlessly within the Earthkit ecosystem. 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.

As part of a team, design, develop and contribute to the evolution of the Forecast‑in‑a‑Box framework. Collaborate with Digital Twin Engine developers and ECMWF partners to align Forecast‑in‑a‑Box execution workflows with DestinE standards and services. Integrate ML models and post‑processing components into the Forecast‑in‑a‑Box environment, in alignment with ECMWF’s operational post‑processing framework. Adapt ML modelling workflows to diverse computing environments, including resource‑constrained operational settings. Develop technical documentation, reproducible examples and training materials to support knowledge transfer and long‑term sustainability. Participate in technical workshops and training activities linked to DestinE and related initiatives. Contribute to ECMWF’s open‑source software ecosystem, including projects such as Anemoi and Earthkit.

What We Are Looking For

• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a proactive, continuous improvement approach.
• Initiative and ability to work collaboratively, with other ECMWF teams and external collaborators, but also able to work independently.
• Ability to maintain a supportive and user‑focused approach.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to occasionally travel within Europe.
• Dedication, passion, and enthusiasm to succeed both individually and across teams of developers.
• Highly organised with the capacity to work on a diverse range of tasks to tight deadlines.

Your Profile

• 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 in weather or climate forecasting post‑processing and the handling of complex derived products 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 ECMWF’s open‑source stack, particularly Earthkit, is an advantage.
• 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.

If you feel that you have the relevant profile and motivation to join us but don't meet precisely all of the skills above, we still encourage you to apply!

Other Information

• Grade remuneration: The successful candidates will be recruited according to the scales of the Co‑ordinated Organisations. Details of salary scales and allowances are available on the ECMWF website at www.ecmwf.int.
• Starting date: as soon as possible.
• Candidates are expected to relocate to the duty station, either Bonn, Germany, or Reading, UK.
• As a multi‑site organisation, ECMWF has adopted a hybrid organisation model which allows flexibility to staff to mix office working and teleworking, including away from the duty station (within the area of our member states and co‑operating states).
• Interviews by videoconference (MS Team) are expected to take place shortly after the vacancy closing date.
• Successful applicants and members of their family forming part of their households will be exempt from immigration restrictions.

Who Can Apply

Applicants are invited to complete the online application form by clicking on the apply button below. At ECMWF, we consider an inclusive environment as key for our success. We are dedicated to ensuring a workplace that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all, without distinction as to race, gender, age, marital status, social status, disability, sexual orientation, religion, personality, ethnicity and culture. 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.

Applications are invited from nationals from ECMWF Member States and Co‑operating States as well as nationals of European Union member states. In these exceptional times, we also welcome applications from Ukrainian nationals for this vacancy. Applications from nationals from other countries may be considered in exceptional cases.