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Geospatial Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Geospatial Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Geospatial Developer Location: Northern Virginia Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph ... As a developer, the candidate will be responsible for research, design, development, and ...

Lead the research and development of a foundation model specifically trained on Planet imagery, incorporating the time-axis to create high-cadence time-series embeddings. • Benchmark Geospatial ...

Geospatial Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Geospatial Developer Location: Northern Virginia Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph ... As a developer, the candidate will be responsible for research, design, development, and ...

Conducts research and field survey using geospatial methods to advance casework and identify sites associated with missing military personnel. * Assists with communications with foreign ...

Knowledge of research programs, imagery, GIS data file formats, and applications * Experience with ... The Geospatial Analyst is further defined as Apprentice, Journeyman, Senior, or Expert based on ...

Select methods and practices to conduct multi-INT research, descriptive analyses, and exploitation ... Geospatial Synthesis and Modeling * Simulation and Terrain Analysis * Spatial Statistics What You ...

Lead the research and development of a foundation model specifically trained on Planet imagery, incorporating the time-axis to create high-cadence time-series embeddings. • Benchmark Geospatial ...

Knowledge of research programs, imagery, GIS data file formats, and applications * Experience with ... The Geospatial Analyst is further defined as Apprentice, Journeyman, Senior, or Expert based on ...

Use research and reporting databases and tools, including MARS, MIDB, ArcGIS, RemoteView, CHROME ... Geospatial Analyst - Conducts geospatial analysis of objects, networks, and persons using ...

... research, descriptive analyses, and exploitation of intelligence databases and sources • ... Advanced geospatial skills • Strong understanding of how to apply evolving technology and ...

CLI Solutions is currently recruiting for a Geospatial Technician with expertise and experience in ... Expert in research information gathering for the following sources: Primary legal documents that ...

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Geospatial Research information

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$22K

$77.5K

$122K

How much do geospatial research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for geospatial research in the United States is $77,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is geospatial research?

Geospatial research is the study and analysis of data that is associated with specific locations on the Earth's surface. It involves collecting, processing, and interpreting geographic information using tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, and GPS technology. This research helps in understanding spatial patterns and relationships, which can be applied in fields such as urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, and transportation. Geospatial researchers often use both quantitative and qualitative methods to solve complex real-world problems. The field is rapidly growing with advances in technology and data availability.

What is the difference between Geospatial Research vs GIS Analyst?

AspectGeospatial ResearchGIS Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Geography, GIS, or related fields; often includes research experienceBachelor's in GIS, Geography, or related; certifications like GISP beneficial
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, government agenciesGovernment agencies, private companies, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on developing new spatial methods, data analysis, and research projectsCreates, manages, and analyzes GIS data for projects and decision-making

While both roles involve spatial data, Geospatial Research emphasizes developing new methods and conducting studies, whereas GIS Analysts focus on managing and analyzing existing GIS data for practical applications.

What are some common challenges faced in a Geospatial Research role and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in Geospatial Research is managing and processing large, complex datasets from various sources, which often require specialized software and data-cleaning techniques. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—such as urban planners, environmental scientists, and IT specialists—can present communication hurdles, as each discipline may use different technical language. To address these challenges, geospatial researchers often leverage robust project management tools, maintain clear documentation, and participate in cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment on project goals and data standards. Continuous learning about emerging GIS technologies and data analysis methods is also essential to stay effective in this evolving field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geospatial Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geospatial Researcher, you need expertise in geographic information systems (GIS), spatial analysis, and data interpretation, often supported by a degree in geography, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools like ArcGIS, QGIS, remote sensing software, and programming languages such as Python or R is typically expected. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication skills help you present complex spatial data and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for generating accurate insights, informing decision-making, and addressing spatial challenges in various sectors.
More about Geospatial Research jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Geospatial Research jobs? The most popular types of Geospatial Research jobs are:
Infographic showing various Geospatial Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, 9% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,494 per year, or $37.3 per hour.
Geospatial Developer

Geospatial Developer

Leidos

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 449 rated business services


Job description

Geospatial Developer
Location: Northern Virginia
Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
Leidos is seeking a Geospatial Developer to be part of a team located in Northern Virginia. This position requires an active TS/SCI with polygraph. The selected candidate will join an integrated team of Leidos and government personnel, working in a highly collaborative, mission-focused environment. The ability to work effectively within a team, communicate clearly, and contribute to shared objectives is essential to success in this role.
The Geospatial Developer will be responsible for collecting geospatial data from open-source websites using Python, transforming and formatting the data into geospatially compatible formats, and ingesting it into ESRI-based web applications such as Portal for ArcGIS and ArcGIS Online. The role supports the creation of out-of-the-box ESRI portal cartographic products, development of dashboard applications and supporting web-based geospatial solutions.
Primary Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work as a member of a team supporting development of geospatial applications. The geospatial production effort contributes to complex intelligence analysis for senior policymakers and our country's leadership. As a developer, the candidate will be responsible for research, design, development, and implementation of mapping tools, working directly with the client to understand business requirements. Looking to deliver quality, innovative, cost-effective solutions and services that enable our customers to meet mission needs by adapting to dynamic environments. The successful candidate will work as part of a collaborative geospatial team, managing projects under minimal supervision.
The development of custom mapping tools will require the candidate to have a strong background as a web developer using HTML, CSS, ESRI JavaScript API and Map Service Layers through Postgres. Support other personnel in utilizing GIS applications and software as well as interface with customers and partners. Work with other developers and systems engineers to solve critical problems and identify efficiencies in implementing technical and functional requirements and tasks.
Basic Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience with application programming languages (e.g. Python, JSON, SQL, CSS, HTML with JavaScript)
  • US Citizen with active Top Secret clearance and polygraph
  • BS degree in Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Computer Sciences or related field and 4 - 8 years of prior relevant experience or master's with 2 - 6 years of prior relevant experience
  • Demonstrated experience with ESRI ArcGIS, to include ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Server
  • Leverage available AI tools to diagnose and resolve technical issues
  • Possess relevant knowledge and experience with digital cartography, geographic information systems, geospatial production techniques, and digital data formats
  • Collaborate with the development team to brainstorm and create new products to achieve team goals
  • Make informed decisions and take ownership of services and applications at scale
  • Actively engage in process improvement initiatives
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, collaboration and presentation skills, including experience working directly with customers to discuss their requirements and objectives
  • Demonstrated ability to interface professionally with team members, supervisors, and customers/clients

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with QGIS
  • Demonstrated AWS web development, deployment, and security best practices
  • Experience with Postgres database
  • Experience working with AWS S3

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:
March 31, 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 $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
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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