2

Remote Sensing Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Scientist

Dayton, OH · Remote

$88K - $121K/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 ...

D. in Physics, Remote Sensing, Earth Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical/scientific field. * 5+ years of experience in geospatial research, analysis, and imagery data ...

Senior Scientist

Dayton, OH · Remote

$88K - $121K/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 ...

Apply Early

next page

Showing results 1-20

Remote Sensing Scientist information

See salary details

$83.5K

$127K

$171K

How much do remote sensing scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 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.

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 are Remote Sensing Scientists?

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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 23% Contract. Highlights an 37% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 60% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,031 per year, or $61.1 per hour.
Imagery Product Engineer II - Imagery and Remote Sensing

Imagery Product Engineer II - Imagery and Remote Sensing

Esri

Redlands, CA • On-site, Remote

$79K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Esri rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 202 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
Esri is the world leader in geographic information systems (GIS) and developer of ArcGIS, the leading mapping and analytics software used in 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies. The Imagery and Remote Sensing team is applying cutting-edge techniques to revolutionize Imagery visualization and Analysis. We are passionate about applying imagery science and artificial intelligence to solve some of the world's biggest challenges.
Our team develops tools, APIs, and AI models for Analysts and Data Scientists, enabling them to leverage the latest research in imagery science, remote sensing, and AI. Our product engineers provide a strong technical voice in the product development process and use the best tools available to build highly reliable, sustained, and evolutionary software.
As a Product Engineer, you will play a key role in ensuring the quality and usability of our imagery and remote sensing tools, models, and libraries. You will design and implement test plans, write test code, and validate software, SDKs, and AI models to help deliver robust, high-quality products to our customers. This will also include performing, documenting, and teaching a wide variety of technical tasks, developing best practices, creating tutorials and documentation, and gathering requirements. If you are passionate about imagery and remote sensing and communicate effectively via writing and presentations, this is the place to be!
Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement test plans for new features and bug fixes to maintain product quality
  • Review and analyze test results; report status on software quality and stability; test and certify software, SDK, and AI model quality
  • Work closely with account managers and software developers to understand customer requirements and help formulate appropriate Imagery and Remote Sensing solutions for various industry scenarios
  • Collaborate with software developers on software project teams to help build new software and plan for future releases
  • Help test new Imagery processing and analysis user experiences, workflows, and analytics using customer data
  • Help develop the future roadmap for Imagery and Remote Sensing support in all relevant ArcGIS products
  • Support technology demonstrations for industry events
  • Act as a technical point of contact for industry business partners and integrators to ensure Esri interoperability

Requirements
  • 2+ years of industry experience in a software development or QA environment, preferably product-based or geospatial consulting companies
  • Strong understanding of image analysis and remote sensing techniques
  • Hands-on experience in QA processes, implementing test plans, developing or managing test automation, and product certification
  • Familiarity with GIS concepts, spatial data, and geospatial workflows
  • Basic understanding of machine learning, deep learning, and AI Prompt Engineering
  • Effective project management, time management, and organizational skills
  • Technical writing skills and experience authoring samples, blog posts, and product documentation
  • Bachelor's degree in GIS, geography, engineering, computer science, math, or related fields

Recommended Qualifications
  • Master's degree in GIS, geography, engineering, computer science, math, or related fields
  • Strong knowledge of software QA methodologies, tools, and processes
  • Experience working in an Agile/Scrum development process
  • Hands-on experience with the ArcGIS suite of products or open-source GIS software
  • Experience with remote sensing, satellite imagery, and multispectral image analysis
  • Experience designing modern desktop user experiences

#LI-TA1
#LI-Onsite
Total Rewards
Esri's competitive total rewards strategy includes industry-leading health and welfare benefits: medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance for employees (and their families), 401(k) and profit-sharing programs, minimum accrual of 80 hours of vacation leave, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Base salary is one component of our total rewards strategy. Compensation decisions and the base range for this role take into account many factors including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
A reasonable estimate of the base salary range is
$79,664-$133,120 USD
The Company
At Esri, diversity is more than just a word on a map. When employees of different experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures come together, we are more innovative and ultimately a better place to work. We believe in having a diverse workforce that is unified under our mission of creating positive global change. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is not a destination but an ongoing process. We are committed to the continuation of learning, growing, and changing our workplace so every employee can contribute to their life's best work. Our commitment to these principles extends to the global communities we serve by creating positive change with GIS technology. For more information on Esri's Racial Equity and Social Justice initiatives, please visit our website here.
If you don't meet all of the preferred qualifications for this position, we encourage you to still apply!
Esri is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email askcareers@esri.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Esri Privacy Esri takes our responsibility to protect your privacy seriously. We are committed to respecting your privacy by providing transparency in how we acquire and use your information, giving you control of your information and preferences, and holding ourselves to the highest national and international standards, including CCPA and GDPR compliance.

What Esri employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


ESRI logo

About ESRI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our passion for improving quality of life through geography is at the heart of everything we do. Esri's geographic information system (GIS) technology inspires and enables governments, universities, and businesses worldwide to save money, lives, and our environment through a deeper understanding of the changing world around them.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Redlands, CA, US

Year founded

1969