2

Remote Sensing Scientist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Senior Wetlands Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$90K - $130K/yr

We are hiring a Senior Wetland Scientist to lead that work, combining wetland science, remote sensing, and cloud-native geospatial computing to produce defensible wetland products across regional to ...

Senior Wetlands Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$94K - $129K/yr

We are hiring a Senior Wetland Scientist to lead that work, combining wetland science, remote sensing, and cloud-native geospatial computing to produce defensible wetland products across regional to ...

College degree must be in a relevant field such as remote sensing, Geospatial sciences, Relevant STEM field, or political science * Relevant specialized experience must be in the application of space ...

Algorithm Engineer

Westminster, CO · On-site +1

$102K - $136K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Sciences, or a related technical field. * 2-5 years of relevant ...

Geospatial Technician

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$24.05 - $30.06/hr

Bachelor's degree in UAV/Drone Science, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems, Cartographic Science, Geodetics preferred. * FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License required. * 1 or more years of ...

Senior Algorithm Engineer

Westminster, CO · On-site +1

$124K - $165K/yr

Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Sciences, or a related technical field. * Minimum of 5 years of relevant industry ...

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or a related ... Knowledge of geospatial, geodesic, photogrammetric, or remote sensing technologies. * Strong ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Remote Sensing Scientist information

See Colorado salary details

$87.8K

$133.6K

$179.8K

How much do remote sensing scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote sensing scientist in Colorado is $133,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,600.00 and $150,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote sensing scientist?

Remote Sensing Scientists are professionals who use satellite or airborne sensor data to analyze and interpret information about the Earth's surface and atmosphere. They apply techniques from physics, geography, and computer science to process and analyze remotely sensed images for applications such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management. Their work often involves using software to manipulate geospatial data and create maps or models that inform decision-making. Remote Sensing Scientists may work in government agencies, research institutions, or private industry, and often collaborate with other scientists and engineers.

What does a remote sensing scientist do?

Remote sensing scientists analyze data using sensors to solve problems related to local issues like urban planning to global complications like natural resource management. As a remote sensing scientist, your responsibilities include using statistical analysis or image analysis software to analyze data acquired by aircraft, satellites, and other platforms. You monitor atmospheric changes, better understand geospatial information, and even help influence decision making regarding fair and equitable land use. Remote sensing scientists are closely involved in innumerable fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote sensing scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Sensing Scientist, you need a strong background in geospatial analysis, image processing, and a relevant degree in fields such as geography, environmental science, or engineering. Familiarity with GIS software (like ArcGIS or QGIS), remote sensing tools (such as ENVI or ERDAS Imagine), and programming languages (Python, R) is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and presenting findings. These competencies are vital for accurately analyzing earth observation data, supporting decision-making, and ensuring the reliability of scientific conclusions.

What are some typical challenges remote sensing scientists face when working with large datasets?

Remote Sensing Scientists often work with massive amounts of satellite or aerial imagery, which can present challenges related to data storage, processing speed, and data quality management. Ensuring the accuracy of image analysis and integrating data from multiple sensor types or platforms can also be complex. To address these issues, scientists frequently rely on high-performance computing, cloud-based platforms, and advanced algorithms for data preprocessing and analysis. Collaborating closely with data engineers and software developers is common to streamline workflow and maintain data integrity.

What is the difference between Remote Sensing Scientist vs GIS Analyst?

AspectRemote Sensing ScientistGIS Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, or related fieldsBachelor's/Master's in Geography, GIS, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, government agencies, environmental firmsUrban planning, environmental consulting, government agencies
Industry UsageSatellite data analysis, environmental monitoringMapping, spatial data analysis, infrastructure planning
Common Search IntentRemote sensing data interpretation, satellite imagery analysisGIS mapping, spatial data management

While both roles involve geospatial data, Remote Sensing Scientists focus on analyzing satellite and aerial imagery to monitor environmental changes, whereas GIS Analysts primarily work with geographic information systems to create maps and analyze spatial data for planning and decision-making.

Does remote sensing scientist pay well?

Remote sensing scientists typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. According to industry data, median salaries range from $60,000 to over $100,000 annually, with higher pay often associated with advanced skills in GIS, image analysis, and remote sensing software. Many roles also offer benefits such as flexible schedules and opportunities for professional development.

How much do remote sensing scientists earn?

Remote sensing scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced skills in GIS, image analysis, and programming can lead to higher compensation, especially in research or industry roles.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Remote Sensing Scientist jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Remote Sensing Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Sensing Scientist job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,575 per year, or $64.2 per hour.

$51K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Spectral Imagery Scientists process, analyze, and exploit spectral imagery to extract intelligence and geospatial information using advanced scientific methodologies, algorithms, and software tools. They collaborate with analysts to understand intelligence issues, provide scientific results to conduct intelligence production, and educate stakeholders on product capabilities. They develop, test, an

Qualifications:

MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement:
Experience utilizing existing workflows or assisting in the development of techniques to process imagery, raster, and/or 3D data
Academic or professional experience applying fundamental concepts of imagery science, photogrammetry, spectroscopy, lidar/3D, multispectral, hyperspectral, SAR, and/or thermal image processing
Experience applying established remote sensing analytic techniques to assist in solving scientific or operational intelligence problems
Experience contributing to the development of written reports or briefings to communicate findings
Experience working with team members to complete assigned tasks
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Imagery Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Remote Sensing, Geography, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or a related discipline that included 24 semester hours in Physical Science and/or related Engineering Science such as Dynamics, Electronics, Mechanics, and Properties of Materials. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of coursework in any area listed in option A that included at least 24 semester hours in Physical Science and/or related Engineering Science, plus experience that involves processing, analyzing, and exploiting multibanded imagery to extract intelligence and geospatial information, or a related field that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals 4 years.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Near visual acuity of 20/60 or better with or without corrective lenses

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired:
Academic or professional experience researching analytical techniques in published literature related to remote sensing
Knowledge of scripting languages (such as Python, R, or Matlab) for data processing or analysis
Familiarity with or academic exposure to how artificial intelligence, machine learning computer vision, and/or automated feature extraction concepts are applied to remote sensing
Experience assisting with the operation, calibration, or testing of satellite, airborne, and/or ground imaging systems and chemical analysis instruments
Knowledge of standard remote sensing processing tools (e.g., RemoteView, ENVI, SocetGXP, ARCGIS Pro, Google Earth Engine)

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom