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Remote Sensing Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Digital Harbor Foundation

Research Scientist

Baltimore, MD · On-site +1

$120K - $150K/yr

PhD in atmospheric science, geophysics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a closely related ... Experience with remote sensing datasets, specifically satellite radar, altimetry, and optical ...

Digital Harbor Foundation

Research Scientist

Baltimore, MD · Remote

$120K - $150K/yr

PhD in atmospheric science, geophysics, applied mathematics, computer science, or a closely related ... Experience with remote sensing datasets, specifically satellite radar, altimetry, and optical ...

GRVTY

Imagery Scientist (EO)- Expert

Falls Church, VA · On-site +1

$180K - $210K/yr

Scientific workflows * Automated processing techniques * Utilize advanced processing tools ... Remote sensing phenomenology * Image formation processes * Exploitation products and methodologies

GRVTY

Imagery Scientist (EO) - Senior

Falls Church, VA · On-site +1

$160K - $190K/yr

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

Umbra

Senior Radar Systems Engineer

Arlington, VA · Remote

Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms ... S. national security and intelligence, support disaster response, and advance scientific discovery.

Umbra

Senior Radar Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · Remote

Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms ... S. national security and intelligence, support disaster response, and advance scientific discovery.

Pae

IMINT Analyst Expert

Fort Belvoir, VA · Remote

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 ...

Pae

IMINT Analyst Expert

Lorton, VA · Remote

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 ...

Winrock International

Senior Manager, Technical

Arlington, VA · Remote

$130K - $180K/yr

Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Carbon Accounting, Remote Sensing, or a related field. Experience : The candidate must have a minimum of 5 years of ...

TalentRemedy

Principal Electrical Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$142K - $174K/yr

... laser, sensing, and remote sensing technologies for demanding spaceflight applications. This ... vehicles, scientific instruments, human-rated systems, or other high-reliability aerospace ...

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All JobsSensing Scientist JobsRemote Sensing Scientist JobsRemote Sensing Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Remote Sensing Scientist information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$86.1K

$130.9K

$176.2K

How much do remote sensing scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote sensing scientist in Silver Spring, MD is $130,920.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,300.00 and $147,900.00 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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Remote Sensing Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Sensing Scientist job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,920 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

SAR Data/Imagery Scientist (TS/SCI Clearance required)

NorthHill Technology

Falls Church, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

NorthHill Technology Resources has a need for a SAR Data Scientist/Imagery Scientist to join a Federal Program in Falls Church, VA.  This is a direct-hire opportunity with our client, a highly respected Federal Integrator.  A current TS/SCI Clearance is required. 

We are seeking an experienced SAR Data Scientist/Imagery Scientist to join a high-performing team supporting advanced AI and machine learning initiatives for complex national security and intelligence missions.

This program focuses on evaluating AI models against Government datasets to assess their performance, resilience, and robustness across a broad spectrum of adversarial scenarios. The effort also includes testing and validating autonomous algorithms designed to support operational decision-making in dynamic mission environments.

As a SAR Exploitation/Imagery Scientist, you will provide subject matter expertise in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, geospatial analysis, and quantitative assessment to support data curation, imagery exploitation, and dataset development for machine learning model testing and evaluation. You will collaborate with engineers, data scientists, and mission analysts to ensure imagery products are prepared, standardized, and optimized for AI/ML applications.

Required Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with eligibility for CI Polygraph (we can sponsor your CI poly if you don't already have one)
  • 4+ years of experience working with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, including collection methodologies, radar phenomenology, image formation, and exploitation products.
  • Experience evaluating SAR imagery quality metrics and interpreting sensor metadata, including the effects of collection geometry (e.g., graze angle, squint angle, azimuth) on SAR phenomenology.
  • Demonstrated experience exploiting SAR imagery to detect, identify, and geolocate objects of interest.
  • Strong understanding of remote sensing principles, imagery processing, and advanced SAR exploitation techniques.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively present SAR methodologies, imagery products, and analytical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience applying computer vision (CV), machine learning (ML), or deep learning techniques to SAR imagery and geospatial data to support intelligence, defense, or remote sensing applications.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support the Lead SAR Scientist in evaluating emerging sensor capabilities and comparing new collection platforms with existing operational systems.
  • Assess the impact of new sensor data on existing data architectures, including metadata, file formats, schemas, APIs, and ETL processes required to ingest and integrate data into operational pipelines.
  • Evaluate data acquisition strategies, expected collection latency, available data formats, and applicable security domains for new sensor sources.
  • Develop preprocessing and standardization workflows to prepare imagery for labeling, analytics, and AI/ML model testing. This may include file format conversion, image tiling, geospatial normalization, and other data preparation activities to ensure compatibility with established data standards.