Application Support Specialist

SFI is seeking an Application Support Specialist to support onboarding efforts within a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. This role provides Tier 2 Operations & Maintenance (O&M) support across a portfolio of enterprise applications, ensuring system stability, performance, and reliability. The ideal candidate will play a key role in maintaining and optimizing application workflows, including data ingestion, processing, monitoring, troubleshooting, and reporting across core system components. This position also supports the full lifecycle of application changes—from installation and testing in QA environments to implementation and validation in production.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to execute system upgrades, validate impacts across upstream and downstream applications, and ensure successful deployments in accordance with established procedures and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain, monitor, and support complex, mission-critical systems in a 24x7 enterprise environment 
• Provide Tier 2 O&M support, including troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and system optimization 
• Install and validate application software in QA and production environments, following defined procedures and checklists 
• Develop and execute System Integration Test (SIT) plans and document results 
• Write detailed implementation and deployment instructions for system changes and upgrades 
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using Linux tools (e.g., Bash, Python, Perl) 
• Analyze system performance, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements 
• Create and maintain documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support data flow and system operations 
• Support the implementation of new systems and upgrades across testing and production environments 
• Perform in-depth troubleshooting within distributed or clustered environments 
• Participate in an on-call rotation to support off-hours operational needs 
• Collaborate with stakeholders to address system performance, configuration, and support inquiries 
• Assist in the migration of on-premise applications to cloud environments and provide ongoing support

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science and 4+ years of relevant experience
• Desired: BS Atmospheric Science, 6+ years of experience

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to successfully pass a U.S. Public Trust background check for system access and badging
• Experience supporting weather, satellite, or environmental data operations 
• Intermediate knowledge of Linux/Unix operating systems 
• Experience with Linux/Unix scripting, including shell scripting, Perl, and/or Python 
• Working knowledge of programming languages such as FORTRAN, C/C++, and Python 
• Willingness to participate in a 24x7 rotational on-call support schedule 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to work independently on complex technical tasks 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Advanced/expert knowledge of Linux/Unix operating systems 
• Experience with scientific data dissemination and observation systems, particularly within NOAA, NASA, or DoD environments 
• Understanding of numerical modeling principles 
• Experience supporting 24x7 mission-critical systems 
• Experience with version control and change management tools such as Git, Subversion, Bugzilla, or Redmine 
• Experience with monitoring tools such as Big Brother or Xymon 
• Familiarity with GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS) 
• Exposure to DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines 
• Experience with AWS or other cloud platforms 

Certifications Required (one of the following):

• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner 
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals 
• Google Cloud Digital Leader / Cloud Fundamentals 
• CompTIA Cloud+ 

Desired:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional 
• Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect 
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert

Additional Information:

• Clearance: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and able to obtain a Public Trust clearance.
  Background checks may include Criminal History, Education Verification, Employment Verification, Professional Certifications, and Credit History. (Public Trust investigations typically take 4–8 weeks and require fingerprinting.)
• Work Environment: Flexible/remote, with occasional on-site support as needed.
• Salary Range: $100,000 – $130,000 annually
• Benefits: SFI offers a comprehensive benefits package. Details available at SFI Careers.
• This is a full-time, W2 position.
• No agencies, third parties, or Corp-to-Corp submissions.
• Spatial Front Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer — all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status.
• SFI participates in E-Verify.