Software Developer for Hydrological and Meteorological Forecasting Systems

Do you want to use your technical skills for something that really matters? With us, you will develop and implement advanced hydrological and meteorological forecasting systems that help communities around the world tackle climate change. We are looking for a software developer who can both improve our internal forecasting chain and build entirely new systems with our international partners. Is that you?

At the hydrological research department, we work on developing water and climate services from forecasting and scenario tools in Sweden, Europe, and worldwide. We calculate variations in water availability, hydrological effects of climate change, and model water quality and substance flows in catchment areas. The unit's work aims to provide better decision-making support for physical planning and environmental goal work, as well as better forecasts for hydrological warning services and the power industry. We work directly with external users and as support to SMHI's operational production units. The unit has about 45 employees from 15 countries.

To apply for the position, you must already have a valid permit to live and work in Sweden (within the EU).

About the Position

With us, you will work closely with the core of the business: you will manage and develop our internal hydrological forecasting chain while also setting up entirely new digital tools at our international partners' locations – either locally, in the cloud, or as hybrids. This entails a unique combination of technical depth, problem-solving, and direct societal benefit.

You will be a key person in our international projects, where we collaborate with actors such as Sweden's aid agency Sida and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Together, we support countries and authorities in building modern forecasting and warning services that strengthen their resilience to future climate risks.

The role is varied and includes everything from software development, production, data management, and digitization, to needs analysis at a high level, practical training of international partners, and management of IT tasks in international projects.

About You

You need to have at least a completed higher education in natural sciences or computer science, or education that SMHI assesses as equivalent.

Very good knowledge of Swedish and English, both spoken and written, is a requirement.

The following IT skills are required:

• Several years of experience working in a Linux environment
• Very good knowledge of and experience with the programming language Python
• Experience with GIT or other version control systems

It is meritorious if you have:

• Good knowledge in managing various databases
• Experience working with NetCDF files, ECFLOW, IT architecture, and cloud services (e.g., GCP, AWS)
• Experience visualizing data, e.g., through maps, GIS, and WMS services
• Knowledge of programming languages FORTRAN and/or R
• Experience working with containers (e.g., Docker or Podman)
• Experience with architecture tasks (analyzing status and needs, proposing design and solutions, within software and/or hardware)
• Experience in sustainable production, e.g., automation, version control, backup, redundancy, operational monitoring, separated environments for development and production
• Experience using and building upon code developed by others (e.g., installing and configuring programs, further developing components in new versions, adapting programs/scripts for use in different operating systems, etc.)
• Experience with RedHat and/or CentOS
• Experience with HPC

The following experiences and competencies are required:

• Development and management of both new and existing applications as well as interfaces in varying IT environments.
• Scheduling (regular execution) of programs (applications) or computational chains

It is meritorious if you have:

• Experience producing forecasts/climate calculations using hydrological models (e.g., the HYPE model)
• Experience working with operational production chains
• Experience post-processing results, e.g., producing maps and graphs
• Experience securely transferring large data volumes between internal and external IT environments, experience with IT security, experience with operational monitoring
• Experience working in an international context

You are a confident and stable person with good self-awareness. The role requires you to be self-driven, take responsibility for your tasks, and ensure they are completed. You enjoy the challenge of rapid changes occurring at short notice and need to be able to prioritize when many things are happening simultaneously. To be successful in the role, you like to work in a structured manner and have good organization in your work.

You are communicative with good collaboration skills and find it easy to coordinate so that deliveries are in place on time and with the right quality. You enjoy traveling and meeting new people, are flexible, and can easily adapt to changing circumstances.

Employment Type

Permanent employment starting April 1, 2026, or by agreement

Location

Norrköping, the position includes exciting travel both nationally and internationally

Application Deadline

February 1, 2026

Read more about SMHI as an employer and our offerings here.

SMHI is a Swedish expert authority with a global perspective and a vital task in forecasting changes in weather, water, and climate. Based on scientific foundations and through knowledge, research, and services, we contribute to increasing the sustainability of society as a whole. Every day, around the clock, all year round.

SMHI is a preparedness authority, and as an employee, you may be assigned to the authority in times of war.

Keep in mind that the documents and information you send to SMHI through your application will become public documents. This means that all material in the application, including attachments, may need to be disclosed to anyone who requests it unless the information is covered by confidentiality according to the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act. Please ensure that you primarily write what you deem relevant in relation to the requirements of the position. Consider your privacy and avoid providing information that contains sensitive personal data, information about your or a close relative's health, political opinions, or religious beliefs.