Remote Optical Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Description

JOB TITLE/TYPE: 

Software Developer/Machine Learning/Algorithm Developer/ On-Site 

PAY RANGE:

$110,000.00 - $190,000.00

JOB SUMMARY

Are you looking for more than just a seat on a contract?

Are you tired of big-box defense contractors where your contributions get lost in layers of bureaucracy? At Skyline Scientific, your skills will shape the future. At Skyline Scientific, we develop custom, high-impact software solutions for the intelligence and defense communities. Our engineers build mission-critical tools, combining advanced software development, high-performance computing, and AI-driven analytics to solve real-world remote sensing, OPIR, and dynamic sensor challenges. We offer top-tier benefits, an entrepreneurial culture, and a tight-knit team of experts who are passionate about their craft. If you're looking for real engineering challenges, supportive leadership, and the ability to make a direct impact, this is the place for you. This job opportunity is around Springfield, VA, and entails direct support to clients at Wright-Patterson AFB. Join us to witness how your technical skills can directly impact our industry. This position is contingent upon the successful award of the contract.  

Why Skyline Scientific?

• Mission-Focused Work: We solve hard problems in remote sensing, AI-enhanced analytics, and sensor fusion-our work directly impacts national security.
• Industry-Leading Benefits: 15% 401(k) match (no contribution required), and employer-paid healthcare-one of the best packages in the industry.
• Custom Solutions, Not Cookie-Cutter Code: We build AI-enhanced software for electro-optical, infrared, OPIR, SAR, and dynamic sensor applications.
• High-Performing Team: Collaborate with AI/ML experts, algorithm engineers, and sensor specialists to develop cutting-edge software.
• Opportunities to Innovate: Our engineers don't just write code-they research, design, and deploy groundbreaking AI/ML and sensing algorithms.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop custom, high-performance software solutions for remote sensing and AI-enhanced analytics applications.
• Implement AI/ML-driven analytics, including LLMs, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and NLP models to improve science-based reporting and automation.
• Design, test, and optimize signal processing, image processing, and remote sensing algorithms.
• Perform analytics research on EO/IR, OPIR, SAR, LIDAR, and dynamic sensor data.
• Train and fine-tune deep learning models (PyTorch, TensorFlow) for object detection, classification, and feature extraction.
• Integrate AI-enhanced tools into operational workflows for automated technical reporting, trend analysis, and sensor data analytics.
• Develop deployable software tools in C/C++ and Python, ensuring real-world usability.
• Optimize algorithm performance based on well-defined metrics.
• Collaborate with analysts and engineers to integrate software solutions into operational workflows.
• Deliver technical briefings, white papers, and presentations on AI, algorithm performance, and data analytics results.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• ACTIVE Top Secret/SCI
• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, image science, electrical engineering, or related fields and at least 5 years of experience
• Strong understanding of first-principles physics and its application to real-world problems.
• Experience in AI/ML development, particularly in text analysis, data extraction, or automated reporting.
• Ability to develop and implement algorithms for remote sensing, signal processing, image processing, or sensor analytics.
• Experience with remote sensing, image processing, and/or digital signal processing
• Experience in testing and integrating algorithms into a deployable software package
• Collaborate with analysts and engineers to integrate software solutions into operational workflows.
• Ensure software security and compliance with IC requirements.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python for software development and data analysis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), or electronic warfare (EW).
• Familiarity with deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) for NLP and data analysis.
• Experience in customizing large language models (LLMs) using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and other techniques to reduce errors in science-based reporting, or a strong desire to learn..
• Experience with cloud-based architectures and big data processing frameworks.

Mid-Level

B.S. degree in STEM

5 - 7 years' software development or algorithm development for a sensing system

Background/knowledge in remote sensing systems and programming languages

Compensation Range: $110,000 - $140,000

Senior-Level

B.S. degree in STEM

Greater than 10 years' software development or algorithm development for sensing systems

Background/knowledge in remote sensing systems, phenomenology, and sensors, the National Space, Satellite, and Sensors

Compensation Range: $150,000 - $190,000

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• ACTIVE Top Secret/SCI with poly
• Master's degree in computer engineering, Image Science, Electrical Engineering, or in related fields, and 5 years of experience
• Experience integrating RADAR, LIDAR, and SAR algorithms into pre-existing software suites
• Expertise with Git products 

BENEFITS:

• Attractive Salary 
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 25 days 
• Medical, Dental & Vision: Employer-Paid
• Disability & Life Insurance Coverage  
• 401k:15% Employer Match (no contribution required) 
• Profit Sharing Options 
• Compressed Workweek Options 
• Annual Performance Bonus 
• Referral & Incentive Bonus Opportunities
• Professional Development & Education Assistance
• Relocation Assistance Options

Join Skyline Scientific-Where Innovation Meets Mission.

This isn't a role where you'll sit idle on a contract-it's an opportunity to design, develop, and deploy advanced software and AI-driven solutions that impact national security.

If you're looking for a position where your expertise is valued, your work makes a difference, and you're surrounded by top-tier talent, apply today.

Our company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and respected.