Overview We are seeking an experienced Lead SAR Data Scientist / Imagery Scientist to join a high-performing team developing advanced solutions for complex national security and intelligence challenges. This program focuses on evaluating artificial intelligence and machine learning models against existing government datasets to assess robustness across a wide range of adversarial scenarios. The team will also support the development and evaluation of automated algorithms capable of making operational decisions in dynamic environments. As the Lead SAR Exploitation / Imagery Scientist, you will serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. You will provide technical leadership in the acquisition, preparation, processing, and exploitation of SAR data, ensuring imagery meets Government quality standards and mission requirements. You will also develop solutions that account for the unique phenomenology, capabilities, and limitations of SAR sensors and collection platforms.Required Qualifications
Active TS/SCI clearance with eligibility for CI Polygraph (we can sponsor your CI poly if you don't already have one)
6+ years of experience as a SAR exploitation or imagery expert with a strong understanding of:
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
Preferred 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
Key Responsibilities
Evaluate emerging SAR sensor capabilities and compare performance against currently fielded collection platforms.
Assess the impact of new sensor data on existing data architectures, including metadata, file formats, schemas, APIs, and ETL processes required for integration into operational data pipelines.
Determine data acquisition strategies, expected collection latency, available data formats, and applicable security domains for new sensor sources.
Design and implement preprocessing workflows to standardize imagery for labeling, analysis, and AI/ML model evaluation, including format conversion, image tiling, and geospatial normalization.
Identify capability gaps associated with emerging sensors and recommend complementary data sources when appropriate.
Assess opportunities for multi-source and coincident collections by identifying complementary imagery from additional platforms (e.g., EO/IR) with comparable geographic and temporal coverage.
Provide technical leadership on SAR phenomenology, exploitation methodologies, and sensor performance to support Government mission objectives.
Collaborate with data scientists, AI/ML engineers, and mission analysts to ensure SAR data is optimized for advanced analytics and model development.
Numbers & Facts
Location
Arlington, Virginia
Skills
Acceptance Testingunmatched
Acquisition Strategyunmatched
Algorithmsunmatched
Analysis Skillsunmatched
Application Programming Interface (API)unmatched
Artificial Intelligence (AI)unmatched
Communication Skillsunmatched
Computer Visionunmatched
Data Formatsunmatched
Data Managementunmatched
Data Processingunmatched
Data Scienceunmatched
Database Extract Transform and Load (ETL)unmatched
Deep Learningunmatched
Defense Intelligenceunmatched
Develop and Maintain Customersunmatched
Format Conversionunmatched
Geolocationunmatched
Geometryunmatched
Google Earthunmatched
Governmentunmatched
Government Standardsunmatched
IR (Infrared)unmatched
Image Conversionunmatched
Imagery Intelligence (IMINT)unmatched
MATLABunmatched
Machine Learningunmatched
Metadataunmatched
Model Validationunmatched
Presentation/Verbal Skillsunmatched
Python Programming/Scripting Languageunmatched
Quality Metricsunmatched
Technical Leadershipunmatched
Technical Presentationunmatched
Test Plan/Scheduleunmatched
Training Data Setsunmatched
Vendor/Supplier Selectionunmatched
Writing Skillsunmatched
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