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Remote Sensing Scientist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Remote Sensing Scientist information

See Indiana salary details

$79.5K

$120.9K

$162.7K

How much do remote sensing scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote sensing scientist in Indiana is $120,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,700.00 and $136,500.00 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 are popular job titles related to Remote Sensing Scientist jobs in Indiana?

For Remote Sensing Scientist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Sensing Scientist jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Sensing Scientist jobs in Indiana are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Remote Sensing Scientist job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,878 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Senior Principal Systems Engineer - Weapons Fuzing

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site, Remote


General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 247 rated software companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$165K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.

Clearance Requirements:
Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.


Required Skills and Expertise:

  • ESAD/ESAF Architecture & Design (Expert): Led design of fielded ESAD/ESAF; can independently architect ESD, S&A, and firing chain; Experience designing systems compliant to MIL-STD-1316 or MIL-STD-1911
  • Environmental Sensing design (Expert): Designed sensing systems that sense environment conditions such as release, setback, spin, and all-up-round environments
  • Environmental testing of fuze systems (Expert): Designed qualification tests for fuzing systems iaw JOTP, MIL-STD-331, and MIL-STD-810; performed environmental qualification; performed failure and root cause analysis on failures
  • Safe and Arm (S&A) mechanism design (Expert): Designed electrical or electromechanical S&A devices
  • High reliability electronics (Advanced): Experience designing high reliability electronics systems for safety critical or mission critical systems
  • Firing chain design (CDU / EFI) (Advanced): Designed capacitor discharge units; selected/qualified EFI. Experience performing or overseeing HERO margin analysis
  • Self-destruct / self-neutralize design (Advanced): Designed self-destruct/neutralization mechanisms to reduce UxO
  • Fuze system-level requirements decomposition (Advanced): Traces system requirements to ESD, S&A, firing circuit, and software; manages RVTM
  • Target detection & classification (Intermediate): Working knowledge of magnetic influence, seismic, acoustic, or pressure-based target sensing systems
  • Built-in test (BIT) design for fuze systems (Advanced): Designed continuous and power-on BIT for S&A, battery, and sensor health; fault lockout logic; experience with BIT coverage analysis

Highly Desired Differentiators:

  • AFSRB board presenter: Has personally presented to the AFSRB — extremely rare; commands immediate credibility within the Air Force fuze community
  • Multi-service fuze programs: Delivered fuzes for two or more military services (Army + Navy, or AF + Army), demonstrating breadth across service-specific requirements
  • Proximity fuze / active sensing: Designed active proximity fuze systems (RF, laser, acoustic) in addition to passive influence fuzing
  • Autonomous system integration (UAS/UGV payloads): Integrated fuze with autonomous delivery platforms
  • MOSA / open architecture fuzing: Designed fuzes to modular open systems architecture (MOSA) principles; plug-and-play payload integration
  • Digital twin / simulation: Built quantitative physics-based fuze simulations for firing chain timing, magnetic signature modeling, or safety FTA
  • Picatinny / NSWC / AFRL lab background: Government lab background in fuze engineering — brings inside understanding of Government test and qualification processes
  • University relationships: Maintains academic connections (Colorado School of Mines, Penn State ICT, Auburn, Purdue, Texas A&M ballistic programs) for talent pipeline support

Our Commitment to You:

  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule)
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits

Workplace Options:
This position is fully onsite or hybrid/flex with opportunity to be fully remote/telework for candidates with strong experience and background.
While on-site, you will be a part of the Advanced Electronics Systems team located in Ft Wayne, Indiana

#LI-JH1


This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
USD $165,916.00 - USD $175,000.00 /Yr.

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!


Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans



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