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Freelance Computational Imaging Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Computational Imaging Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

You will develop and apply computational imaging models that connect optical design, image ... Basic Qualifications * BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, or a related field with 8+ ...

Kitware

Computational Imaging Researcher

Clifton Park, NY · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

Kitware's computational imaging team uses traditional and non-traditional image sensors in novel ... PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or related field * Strong publication ...

Kitware

Computational Imaging Researcher

New York, NY · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

Kitware's computational imaging team uses traditional and non-traditional image sensors in novel ... PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or related field * Strong publication ...

Kitware

Computational Imaging Researcher

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

Kitware's computational imaging team uses traditional and non-traditional image sensors in novel ... PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or related field * Strong publication ...

Cleerly

Sr. Scientist, Computational Imaging

New York, NY · On-site

$214K - $245K/yr

About the Team You will join our expert Computational Imaging team, where we develop sophisticated ... D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Imaging, or a related ...

E-Ink-Corporation

$110 - $140/hr

M.S./Ph.D. ina fieldsuch as Color Science, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer ... computational geometry. * Software/programming languages:Proficiencyin Python isrequired, with ...

E Ink

Imaging Scientist

Billerica, MA · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

M.S./Ph.D. ina fieldsuch as Color Science, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer ... computational geometry. * Software/programming languages:Proficiencyin Python isrequired, with ...

E Ink

Imaging Scientist

Billerica, MA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

S./Ph.D. in a field such as Color Science, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer ... and computational geometry. * Software/programming languages: Proficiency in Python is required ...

E Ink Corporation

Imaging Scientist

Billerica, MA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

S./Ph.D. in a field such as Color Science, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer ... and computational geometry. * Software/programming languages: Proficiency in Python is required ...

E Ink

Imaging Scientist

Billerica, MA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

S./Ph.D. in a field such as Color Science, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer ... and computational geometry. * Software/programming languages: Proficiency in Python is required ...

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Freelance Computational Imaging Scientist information

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$50.5K

$111.3K

$137.5K

How much do freelance computational imaging scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance computational imaging scientist in the United States is $111,343.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance computational imaging scientist?

A Freelance Computational Imaging Scientist is a professional who applies computational techniques and algorithms to process, analyze, and interpret images, often working independently or on a contract basis. They may work in diverse fields such as medical imaging, remote sensing, microscopy, or computer vision. Their work often involves developing new methods for image reconstruction, enhancement, or analysis, and collaborating with clients from academia, industry, or research institutions. As freelancers, they offer flexibility and specialized expertise for specific projects or tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance computational imaging scientist?

To thrive as a Freelance Computational Imaging Scientist, you need a strong background in mathematics, physics, computer science, and image processing, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Expertise in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB, familiarity with imaging software, and experience with machine learning frameworks are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you effectively collaborate with clients and manage independent projects. These competencies are essential to deliver innovative imaging solutions and maintain a successful freelance practice.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance computational imaging scientists when working with clients from different industries?

Freelance computational imaging scientists often encounter challenges such as understanding varying project requirements, adapting algorithms to unique datasets, and communicating complex technical concepts to clients with diverse backgrounds. Each industry may have distinct imaging needs and data types, so flexibility and continuous learning are essential. Building clear communication channels and setting realistic expectations from the outset can help ensure successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Freelance Computational Imaging Scientist vs Freelance Medical Imaging Specialist?

AspectFreelance Computational Imaging ScientistFreelance Medical Imaging Specialist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees in imaging, computer science, or engineeringMedical degrees, radiology certifications, or related healthcare credentials
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, tech companies, startups, freelance projectsHospitals, clinics, medical device companies, freelance consulting
Industry UsageTechnology, research, imaging algorithm developmentHealthcare, diagnostics, medical device development

While both roles involve imaging expertise, Freelance Computational Imaging Scientists focus on developing algorithms and imaging techniques across various industries, whereas Freelance Medical Imaging Specialists concentrate on medical applications, diagnostics, and healthcare settings. The choice depends on your industry focus and credentials.

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Cities with the most Freelance Computational Imaging Scientist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Computational Imaging Scientist jobs?

The most popular types of Computational Imaging Scientist jobs are:

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States with the most job openings for Freelance Computational Imaging Scientist jobs include:

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Freelance Computational Imaging Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Computational Imaging Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,343 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

Computational Imaging Scientist

Leidos

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 496 rated business services

Job description

Are you ready for your next career challenge?
The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an Optical Engineer specializing in Computational Imaging to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of meta-optic-enabled computational imaging systems for edge processing on next-generation space missions. The Space Business Area is transforming space payload solutions through customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing.
Primary Responsibilities
In this role, you will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of infrared meta-optic systems integrated with digital reconstruction and inference algorithms. You will develop and apply computational imaging models that connect optical design, image formation, detector response, calibration, image reconstruction, and downstream inference performance.
You will contribute to the development of simulation tools and algorithms for analyzing hybrid optical-digital imaging systems, including forward image-formation models, inverse-problem formulations, reconstruction algorithms, and end-to-end optimization of optical and computational parameters. You will also support design trades and system-level evaluations involving image quality, signal-to-noise ratio, reconstruction fidelity, classification performance, robustness, and computational complexity.
Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies, including metaoptics and optical computing systems, analyze experimental data to inform design decisions, and document results to support internal R&D and program efforts.
This position includes both analytical and experimental responsibilities, with an emphasis on modeling and algorithm development. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across optical simulation, computational imaging, machine learning, and laboratory environments and is interested in developing integrated optical-digital sensing systems.
Basic Qualifications
  • BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of prior relevant experience or MS with 6+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
  • Demonstrated research or development experience in computational imaging or a closely related field
  • Experience with Fourier optics, wave propagation, diffraction, and coherence theory
  • Experience with optimization methods used in computational imaging, including gradient-based optimization, regularization, or statistical estimation
  • Familiarity with machine-learning-based reconstruction or inference methods, including convolutional neural networks or related architectures
  • Experience programming in Python using scientific-computing and machine-learning tools such as NumPy, SciPy, PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow; experience with MATLAB or C++ may also be applicable
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
  • Must be a U.S Citizen
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI)
  • Experience designing or modeling optical systems using Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, or equivalent software
  • Experience developing and evaluating machine-learning-based image reconstruction, detection, or classification systems
  • Experience working in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, imaging-system testing, detector characterization, or optical characterization
  • Familiarity with diffractive optics, meta-optics, metasurfaces, or nanophotonic inverse-design
  • Experience with electromagnetic modeling tools such as COMSOL, Ansys Lumerical, or equivalent
  • Record of research contributions demonstrated through publications, patents, conference presentations, or development of relevant computational-imaging systems

Why Leidos?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions.
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
August 19, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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