2

Remote Sensing Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

Showing results 21-40

Remote Sensing Scientist information

See salary details

$83.5K

$127K

$171K

How much do remote sensing scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote sensing scientist in the United States is $127,031.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $143,500.00 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.

What cities are hiring for Remote Sensing Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Remote Sensing Scientist job openings:

What states have the most Remote Sensing Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Remote Sensing Scientist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Remote Sensing Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,031 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

Hyperspectral Image Scientist

Leidos

Springfield, VA • On-site, Remote

$92K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is actively interviewing for a Senior Hyperspectral Image Scientist to join our team in Springfield, VA.

Job Summary

Senior technical position responsible for leading the analysis, exploitation, and interpretation of hyperspectral and multispectral imagery in support of government missions. The Senior Hyperspectral Image Scientist will provide subject matter expertise in spectral data processing, algorithm development, image exploitation, and applied remote sensing science. This position requires on-site support at a government facility and close collaboration with analysts, engineers, program managers, and mission stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead the development, evaluation, and application of hyperspectral image analysis methodologies.

  • Perform exploitation of hyperspectral, multispectral, and related geospatial datasets to identify, classify, and characterize materials, objects, and activities of interest.

  • Develop, refine, and validate spectral-based algorithms for detection, unmixing, anomaly detection, change detection, target identification, and material classification.

  • Conduct preprocessing and calibration workflows, including radiometric correction, atmospheric correction, and geometric correction.

  • Build and maintain spectral libraries and support signature analysis, endmember extraction, and spectral matching.

  • Integrate hyperspectral analytics with other GEOINT, remote sensing, and intelligence data sources.

  • Prepare technical reports, briefings, white papers, and documentation for government stakeholders.

  • Advise leadership and mission teams on capabilities, limitations, and best practices related to hyperspectral sensing and exploitation.

Required Technical Skills

  • Hyperspectral and multispectral image exploitation

  • Spectral signature analysis and spectral library development

  • Material identification and classification

  • Sub-pixel analysis and spectral unmixing

  • Anomaly detection and change detection

  • Radiometric, atmospheric, and geometric correction

  • Algorithm development and validation

  • Python, MATLAB, ENVI/IDL, GIS, and scientific scripting

  • Data visualization and technical reporting

Work Environment

  • Work will be performed primarily on-site at a government facility.

  • Limited travel may be required based on program needs.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Geospatial Science, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

  • Minimum of 8-12 years of relevant professional experience in hyperspectral image analysis, spectral science, remote sensing, or related technical disciplines.

  • Demonstrated experience with hyperspectral and multispectral imagery exploitation in government, defense, intelligence, or applied research environments.

  • Strong knowledge of spectral phenomenology, imaging spectroscopy, and remote sensing principles.

  • Experience with image processing and scientific analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, ENVI/IDL, ArcGIS, or equivalent platforms.

  • Experience developing and implementing algorithms for spectral detection, classification, target recognition, or anomaly detection.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to be approved for a Poly

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.

  • Experience supporting DoD, IC, NGA, NGA-related, or other federal mission environments.

  • Familiarity with sensor calibration, atmospheric modeling, physics-based exploitation, and sensor phenomenology.

  • Experience with machine learning or artificial intelligence methods applied to hyperspectral data.

  • Experience working with large-scale datasets, cloud-based analytics, or high-performance computing environments.

  • Knowledge of geospatial data standards, data fusion, and operational tasking workflows.

#GEOINTMISSION

#NSBA

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:May 20, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


What Leidos employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Social media