Python Job: Aviation Meteorologist – Airbus HAPS Connectivity

Job Description:

Location: Blended (Farnborough + Home-working potential) – Full time role

The first stratospheric UAS of its kind, Zephyr provides a persistent and adaptable solution, unlike other unmanned aircraft. Its persistence enables a capability of flying continuously for months at a time, at around 70,000ft, above weather and conventional air traffic. It is a world record breaking High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS); it is the only HAPS to have demonstrated day/night longevity in the stratosphere, having flown for over 3000+ hours in the stratosphere in total so far. Zephyr Z8-2 achieved over 64 continuous days in the stratosphere in 2022 in a single flight, flying in excess of 140k nautical miles (equivalent to almost 7 times around the world, or 2/3rd of the way to the moon!) - Zephyr is a current leader in the HAPS industry.

AHCSL is building a team of talented people to support HAPS operations, and there is an opportunity to join the Zephyr Meteorologist team in an interesting role working as an Aviation Meteorologist, working on next generation high altitude aircraft. We require a meteorologist with an operational focus / background to help develop and implement our operational framework for the upcoming 2023-2024 flying seasons, and help drive the business into service delivery by the end of 2024. We require an individual with practical aviation meteorology experience along with the aptitude to understand the mechanics of HAPS operations and stratospheric science and meteorology.

A coding / developing background to develop bespoke tools that provide in-mission planning and meteorological / climatological support is desirable but not essential, as this can be developed over the course of your career during non-operational work time. There is also scope for work in science and analysis (climate & meteorology) to help develop the science behind Zephyr operations, and further our understanding of the stratosphere using in-situ data from our operational aircraft.

This role requires a strong aptitude to learn and develop, particularly on the job, to help build a skill set that becomes all-encompassing, merging meteorology and climatology, and exploring programming to expand our in-house toolsets. This is a great opportunity to be part of an exciting activity at the leading edge of global HAPS development and operations, with a market leading company. You will have the opportunity to deploy overseas during this contract in order to support Operational Flying seasons (primarily for launch and landing periods, but potentially for mid-operational periods also).

Role and Responsibilities:

You will deliver global meteorological and climatological support to Zephyr teams. You will be expected to support the Head of Meteorology and wider team in developing meteorological and climatological tool-sets, studies and presentations as a key enabler in order for the meteorological team to accurately disseminate flight based weather information from the central operational hub out to various stakeholders.

Since this is a unique role that combines aviation operational meteorology, meteorological science, climatology, and engineering principles in the solar electric flight environment, training will be provided in these areas, so an aptitude for learning and development is essential.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

The role encompasses the following tasks:

• Work as part of a team to develop, collate and evaluate meteorological data from diverse sources to produce tailored meteorological forecasts, briefs, data analysis and post-mission meteorological analysis.

• Assist in the design and development of deterministic and probabilistic numerical weather prediction (NWP) tools, including NWP analysis platforms that align with engineering / flight performance.

• Be able to understand the complex nature of weather impacts on lightweight aviation assets.

• Be able to manage vast datasets in order to improve awareness by applying critical meteorological techniques.

• Develop expertise in Meteorology, Climatology, Stratospheric science, and HAPS operations.

• Advance knowledge through research literature as well as data and experience of flight in the stratosphere.

• Be able to work on your own initiative to a specified deadline.

Skills Required

• Proven experience in aviation and/or operational meteorology, including the use of advanced meteorological techniques and tools in novel applications.

• Knowledge of current weather forecasting models and data types is essential.

• Relevant engineering or scientific qualification to degree level.

• You should have excellent analytical skills, with the ability to solve problems and confidence to make effective decisions.

• Good interpersonal skills with strong verbal and written communications skills.

• Be able to work effectively within a team, balancing strengths and weaknesses with colleagues.

• Willingness to learn new meteorological concepts and help develop future applications.

• A proven ability to present complex information in a readily understandable manner to a variety of audiences.

• A demonstrable ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks and workload to ensure consistency and accuracy of all services.

• A willingness to deploy overseas.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience in manned / unmanned aviation.

• Knowledge of the Python coding environment or similar would be desirable.

• Knowledge of the stratosphere.

• Prior use of remote sensing equipment.

• Previous work in a test flight environment.

• Software development qualification would be of great asset.

Working Pattern

When in the UK : A blend of Mon-Fri, normal core working hours (with ability to flex to personal needs if required), with a shift-working pattern defined by flight operational needs to cover 24/7 operations during flying seasons, shared across the team.

If overseas : Shift pattern defined by Head of Flight Operations to cover 24/7 operations, up to 10h per day, 6 days per week.

Location : Required on-site in Farnborough for training and production support, and team engagement. Flexible working location where no other requirement exists.

Additional Information:

The successful candidate will be required to pass BPSS security clearance before confirmation of contract offer.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

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