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Remote Sensing Scientist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Hyperspectral Image Scientist

Springfield, VA · On-site +1

$92K - $166K/yr

The Senior Hyperspectral Image Scientist will provide subject matter expertise in spectral data ... Integrate hyperspectral analytics with other GEOINT, remote sensing, and intelligence data sources.

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Springfield, VA · On-site +1

$95K - $130K/yr

Conduct multi-platform remote sensing analytics across varied sensors, collection geometries, and ... Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied ...

New

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$94K - $128K/yr

Conduct multi-platform remote sensing analytics across varied sensors, collection geometries, and ... Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied ...

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$150K - $235K/yr

Conduct multi-platform remote sensing analytics across varied sensors, collection geometries, and ... Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied ...

GeoYeti

Senior SAR Imagery Scientist

Springfield, VA · Remote

$190K - $235K/yr

This role blends remote sensing science with applied data engineering and AI. What You'll Do: * Evaluate and integrate new SAR sensors and platforms into existing data workflows, including sensors ...

GeoYeti

Senior SAR Imagery Scientist

Springfield, VA · Remote

$190K - $235K/yr

This role blends remote sensing science with applied data engineering and AI. What You'll Do: * Evaluate and integrate new SAR sensors and platforms into existing data workflows, including sensors ...

GeoYeti

Senior SAR Imagery Scientist

Springfield, VA · Remote

$190K - $235K/yr

This role blends remote sensing science with applied data engineering and AI. What You'll Do: * Evaluate and integrate new SAR sensors and platforms into existing data workflows, including sensors ...

GRVTY

Imagery Scientist (EO) - Senior

Falls Church, VA · Remote

$97K - $133K/yr

Remote sensing phenomenology * Image formation processes * Exploitation products and methodologies ... Scientific workflows * Exploitation methodologies * Experience automating scientific processing ...

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Remote Sensing Scientist information

See Virginia salary details

$82.8K

$125.9K

$169.5K

How much do remote sensing scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote sensing scientist in Virginia is $125,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,100.00 and $142,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is remote sensing and GIS a good career?

Remote sensing scientists and GIS specialists work with satellite imagery, geographic data, and spatial analysis tools to support environmental, urban planning, and defense applications. The field offers growing job opportunities, often requires proficiency in software like ArcGIS or ENVI, and benefits from relevant degrees and certifications. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in geospatial technology and data analysis.

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.

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 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.

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 do you become a remote sensing scientist?

To become a remote sensing scientist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as geography, environmental science, or remote sensing, with many roles requiring a master's or Ph.D. for advanced positions. Developing skills in GIS, image analysis, and programming languages like Python or R is important, along with experience using remote sensing tools and satellite data. Gaining practical experience through internships or research projects can also enhance job prospects.

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

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

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Remote Sensing Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Sensing Scientist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,941 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Remote Sensing Engineer

Riverside Research Institute

Springfield, VA • On-site, Remote

$97K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 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.

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