Lead SAR Data Scientist / Imagery Scientist 01
On-siteArlington, Virginia, United States
Job Summary
Evaluate emerging SAR sensor capabilities and compare performance against fielded platforms to inform data architecture decisions. Design preprocessing workflows to standardize imagery for labeling and AI/ML evaluation, including format conversion and geospatial normalization. Assess the impact of new sensor data on metadata, schemas, and ETL processes required for integration into operational pipelines. Determine acquisition strategies, collection latency, and applicable security domains for new sources while identifying capability gaps and complementary multi-source imagery. Provide technical leadership on SAR phenomenology and exploitation methodologies to support Government mission objectives. Collaborate with data scientists and mission analysts to optimize SAR data for advanced analytics.
Required Qualifications
- Active TS/SCI clearance with eligibility for CI Polygraph
- 6+ years of experience as a SAR exploitation or imagery expert
- SAR collection principles
- Radar phenomenology
- Image formation processes
- SAR exploitation products
- Experience using SARPy and the MATLAB SAR Toolbox
- Knowledge of SAR image quality assessment, including: RNIIRS, Information-theoretic image quality metrics, Integrated Sidelobe Ratio (ISLR), Multiplicative Noise Ratio (MNR)
- Experience interpreting sensor metadata and understanding how collection geometry (e.g., graze angle, squint angle, azimuth) impacts SAR phenomenology
- Demonstrated experience exploiting SAR imagery to detect, identify, and geolocate objects of interest
- Experience developing, testing, and evaluating SAR processing algorithms, methodologies, and analytical products
- Proficiency with advanced data processing and scientific computing tools such as Python, MATLAB, and Google Earth Engine
- Strong understanding of remote sensing principles, imagery processing, and advanced exploitation techniques
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Desired Qualifications
- Experience applying computer vision (CV), machine learning (ML), or deep learning techniques to SAR imagery for intelligence, defense, or remote sensing applications
- Experience supporting AI/ML model development, validation, or operational testing using SAR datasets
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