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Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hyperspectral Image Scientist

Springfield, VA · On-site +1

$92K - $166K/yr

Integrate hyperspectral analytics with other GEOINT, remote sensing, and intelligence data sources. * Prepare technical reports, briefings, white papers, and documentation for government stakeholders.

Overview The Remote Sensing Technician (RST) acquires airborne and Geodetic ground survey data. The ... thermal, hyperspectral, and multispectral imagery sensor systems throughout North America.

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Hyperspectral Remote Sensing information

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How much do hyperspectral remote sensing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for hyperspectral remote sensing in the United States is $32.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.77 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hyperspectral remote sensing?

Hyperspectral remote sensing is a technology that collects and processes information from across the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike traditional imaging, which captures just a few bands of light, hyperspectral sensors acquire data in hundreds of narrow, contiguous spectral bands. This allows for the detailed identification and analysis of materials, vegetation, minerals, and other targets based on their unique spectral signatures. The technology is widely used in agriculture, environmental monitoring, mining, and defense, among other fields. Its ability to detect subtle differences in surface materials makes it a powerful tool for scientific and industrial applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hyperspectral remote sensing specialist?

To thrive as a Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Specialist, you need strong expertise in remote sensing principles, spectral analysis, and a background in environmental science, geography, or a related technical field, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency in processing software such as ENVI, ERDAS IMAGINE, or Python-based geospatial libraries, as well as experience with hyperspectral imaging sensors and data calibration tools, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you interpret complex data and collaborate on multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are critical to accurately extracting, analyzing, and conveying valuable information from hyperspectral data for applications in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and resource management.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in hyperspectral remote sensing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in hyperspectral remote sensing often encounter challenges such as managing and processing large volumes of high-dimensional data, ensuring accurate calibration of sensors, and interpreting complex spectral signatures. Addressing these issues typically involves using advanced data processing algorithms, maintaining strict calibration protocols, and collaborating closely with experts in fields like machine learning and environmental science. Regular training and staying updated with the latest software tools and methodologies are also important for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Hyperspectral Remote Sensing vs Remote Sensing Analyst?

AspectHyperspectral Remote Sensing

CredentialsTypically requires degrees in remote sensing, geospatial sciences, or related fields; certifications in GIS or remote sensing are common.

Work EnvironmentField data collection, satellite or aerial data analysis, GIS software use, often in research or environmental agencies.

Hyperspectral Remote Sensing involves capturing and analyzing data across many spectral bands to identify materials and conditions on Earth's surface. A Remote Sensing Analyst interprets various remote sensing data, including multispectral and hyperspectral images, to support environmental, urban planning, or resource management projects. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, hyperspectral remote sensing focuses specifically on high-resolution spectral data analysis, whereas remote sensing analysts work with a broader range of remote sensing data types.

Infographic showing various Hyperspectral Remote Sensing job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,000 per year, or $32.7 per hour.

Remote Sensing Engineer

Springfield, VA • On-site, Remote

$97K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Riverside Overview
Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.
All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled Remote Sensing Engineer to support the development, analysis, and exploitation of remote sensing data for national security, defense, and geospatial intelligence missions. The ideal candidate has experience working with geospatial datasets, remote sensing technologies, and automation tools, and is comfortable collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges.
An active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance is required for this position.
Responsibilities
  • Process, analyze, and interpret satellite, airborne, and other remotely sensed imagery.
  • Develop and maintain geospatial analysis workflows and automated processing pipelines.
  • Design and implement Python-based tools to support imagery processing, feature extraction, and geospatial analysis.
  • Perform image classification, object detection, change detection, and spatial analysis using commercial and open-source tools.
  • Support sensor calibration, validation, and quality assurance activities.
  • Work closely with engineers, data scientists, and intelligence analysts to develop mission-focused solutions.
  • Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Evaluate emerging remote sensing technologies and recommend improvements to existing workflows.
  • Contribute to project planning, technical discussions, and continuous process improvement initiatives.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance (required).
  • Bachelor's degree in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Geography, GIS, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Environmental Science, or a related technical discipline.
  • minimum of 5 years professional experience in remote sensing, geospatial analysis, GIS, or a related engineering field.
  • Experience processing and analyzing satellite, aerial, or other remotely sensed imagery.
  • Proficiency with remote sensing and GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, or similar platforms.
  • Strong Python programming skills for geospatial analysis and workflow automation.
  • Experience with geospatial libraries such as GDAL, Rasterio, GeoPandas, Shapely, or OpenCV.
  • Understanding of raster and vector geospatial data formats and coordinate reference systems.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a remote, collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting DoD, NGA, NRO, or Intelligence Community programs.
  • Experience with SAR, LiDAR, hyperspectral, multispectral, or thermal imagery.
  • Familiarity with cloud-based geospatial processing environments such as AWS or Azure.
  • Experience with machine learning or computer vision techniques applied to geospatial imagery.
  • Knowledge of containerization technologies such as Docker and modern software development practices.
  • Experience with Git and collaborative software development workflows.

Global Comp
$97,000 - $135,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.
Closing Statement
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.