Remote Optical Engineer Intern Jobs in Washington, DC

What Impact You'll Have

GRVTY is looking for a Senior Scientist to support research, algorithm development, and advanced analytics for overhead persistent infrared and electro-optical/infrared sensing systems. This is a technically demanding role centered on OPIR phenomenology, optical signature characterization, and sensor performance analysis in direct support of national security missions at a Customer site in Herndon, Virginia.

You will work alongside algorithm engineers, data scientists, and intelligence analysts to develop and apply physics-based models, image science methods, and multi-platform remote sensing analytics. The work is fast-paced and mission-driven — requirements shift, collection windows are finite, and the analysis you produce informs real decisions. We are looking for someone who has done this work before, can operate with autonomy, and brings enough depth in OPIR to hit the ground running.

What You'll be Owning

• Lead research and development of advanced algorithms for OPIR and EO/IR remote sensing systems, with emphasis on target detection, tracking, location, and characterization.
• Design, implement, and evaluate algorithms for EO/IR sensor and camera system performance — including noise modeling, radiometric calibration, and sensitivity analysis.
• Analyze optical signature data to extract target phenomenology, characterize signatures, and generate technically rigorous intelligence insights.
• Conduct multi-platform remote sensing analytics across varied sensors, collection geometries, and data streams.
• Support the full TCPED process for OPIR — from tasking and collection planning through exploitation and dissemination.
• Review and validate analytic products for technical accuracy and mission relevance; identify gaps and recommend improvements.
• Maintain detailed, reproducible analysis logs documenting workflows, assumptions, methodologies, and results.
• Respond to real-time EO/IR analysis requests and adapt quickly to evolving mission priorities.
• Test and evaluate emerging algorithms, exploitation tools, and analytic platforms; contribute to trade studies and capability assessments.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, findings, and written reports to customer and program stakeholders.
• Mentor junior analysts; contribute to analytic standards and methodology development across the team.

What You Must Have

• Active Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain SCI and CI polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on OPIR experience, with demonstrated work in EO/IR phenomenology, optical signature analysis, or sensor performance assessment.
• Experience with image processing and digital signal processing tools for short-wave and mid-wave infrared data.
• Experience applying algorithms for target detection and background suppression in OPIR or EO/IR contexts.
• Familiarity with multi-data stream ingest and analysis techniques.
• Working knowledge of the TCPED process as applied to OPIR collection and exploitation.
• Strong documentation and communication skills — you will be writing technical reports and briefing customers, not just doing the analysis.
• Able to work independently and manage priorities without significant hand-holding.

What Would be Nice to Have

• Master's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Direct experience with optical signature modeling and EO/IR phenomenology characterization.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, IDL, or C/C++ for algorithm development or data analysis.
• Experience with geospatial and exploitation tools such as ArcGIS, Google Earth, Opticks, or Palette.
• Background in radiometric calibration, sensor noise modeling, or end-to-end sensor performance modeling.
• Experience supporting collection planning and requirements definition for remote sensing systems.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-enhanced analytics as applied to remote sensing or signature exploitation.
• Prior experience in a defense or intelligence community environment supporting classified programs.