University of South Florida→
Solutions Engineer in Ocean and… at University of… · Saint…
Skills
Job Description
The University of South Florida College of Marine Science and the Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation are seeking a skilled and motivated Solutions Engineer to support highly technical development, integration, delivery, and maintenance of advanced data systems and interactive digital products to feed a newly established data visualization center. This position plays a key role in building and maintaining critical geospatial infrastructure, pipelines, and products that foster actionable solutions for inland and coastal resilience, ocean observing, and environmental challenges.
We invite candidates that possess problem-solving skills and a passion for geospatial design. You'll be part of a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of science, technology, and data innovation to develop data-driven visual information products. We value curiosity, collaboration, and practical creativity.
Responsibilities
- Push the boundaries of data science by creating compelling, immersive geospatial visualizations of complex environmental data. Collaborate with the center's leadership and clients to propose solutions that illustrate how products derived from geospatial data can address critical scientific and environmental issues.
- Serve as a technical expert in open-source and proprietary geospatial visualization tools and infrastructure (R, Shiny, Python, ArcGIS products, 3D modeling software, Git, etc.).
- Plan, execute, and maintain workflows that support acquisition, processing, visualization, and sharing of diverse datasets.
- Develop, document, and distribute technical solutions for data interoperability, metadata standards, and accessibility via cloud-based services and public repositories.
- Present and distribute geospatial products to external groups. Successfully design presentations for technical and non-technical customers.
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience with the ESRI suite creating maps, programming custom GIS applications, performing spatial analyses, and/or configuring geospatial web applications.
- 1+ years of experience in environmental, cinematic, scientific, or academic industries.
- Knowledge of cloud computing concepts, governance, and pipelines. Experience with cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP, or similar) and web services.
- Remarkable presentation, interpersonal, and listening skills.
- Ability to use photorealistic rendering, spatial analysis, and cross-platform capabilities to power immersive simulations, digital twins, and XR solutions.
- Strong programming or scripting experience with either one or multiple of these languages: .NET, C++, C#, Kotlin, Swift, Python, JavaScript, R, or Julia.
- Understanding of ArcGIS from an IT context (such as hardware, storage, security, networking, web services, cloud computing)
- Bachelor's in oceanography, geography, atmospheric science, geography, computer science, data science, mathematics, or a related field.
- Based in St. Petersburg, FL with ability to travel domestically or internationally and ability to pass a level 2 background check.
Recommended Qualifications
- Experience creating custom geospatial applications with real-world data using ESRI Developer tools, SDKs, APIs, or Game Engines.
- Familiarity with marine or environmental data standards (e.g., NetCDF, CF conventions, OPENDAP, ERDDAP, THREDDS).
- Experience in technical consulting, troubleshooting, and conceptual solution design.
- Experience incorporating real-time observations with existing GIS data and IT infrastructure.
- Experience with geodatabases and underlying DBMS technology.
- Experience with 3D modeling software (Maya, Blender, Houdini, Fledermaus, Unity, Unreal Engine, etc.)
- Master's in oceanography, atmospheric science, geography, computer science, mathematics, data science, or a related field.
- Ability to think strategically.
- Demonstrated proficiency in visioning, conceptual design and storytelling.
- Adaptability and resourcefulness.
- The ability to empathize with users of the visualization center to create valuable and practical visuals.
The primary mission of the College of Marine Science is to conduct basic and applied research in ocean science. The College has 32 full time ranked faculty, with support from research associates and assistants, professional administrative staff, support staff and technical staff. It has approximately 108 Graduate Students, generates ~$17 million/yr in research expenditures, and maintains 13 separate research laboratories. Additional information about the College can be found here:
https://www.usf.edu/marine-science/about-us/index.aspx
The Florida Flood Hub for Applied Research and Innovation (Flood Hub) is the State of Florida’s center for data on changes in the risk of flooding. It serves as a premier thought leader on research into flooding and helps Florida prepare for the reality of rising sea levels, stronger storms, and more extreme rainfall. The Flood Hub is envisioned to be a one-stop-shop that helps all local, regional, and state agencies incorporate planning for flooding as part of a long-term strategy for developing infrastructure and policies that reflect Florida’s risks. The Flood Hub is hosted by the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science on the university's St. Petersburg campus. Additional information is available at: https://www.usf.edu/marine-science/research/florida-flood-hub-for-applied-research-and-innovation/index.aspx
To apply, please submit a detailed cover letter and curriculum vitae.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, MIS or other field involving software and analytical training and two years of relevant work experience;
OR a Bachelor's degree with no specific required field and three years of relevant work experience,
OR a Master’s degree and one year of relevant work experience,
OR a combination of six years of relevant work experience and validated training. Preparation for a relevant IT certification, validated through certification requirements and documentation of completion, is considered to be related training.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Company
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.