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Remote Sensing Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Integrate hyperspectral analytics with other GEOINT, remote sensing, and intelligence data sources. * Prepare technical reports, briefings, white papers, and documentation for government stakeholders.

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Manager, Technical

Arlington, VA · Remote

$130.60K - $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 ...

Senior Software Engineer (Command & Control)

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$127.40K - $168K/yr

Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms).Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and ...

Post-Doctoral Associate

College Park, MD · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

D. in remote sensing, geospatial science, agricultural engineering, computer science, environmental science, or a closely related field. Strong programming skills in Python, with demonstrated ...

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Remote Sensing information

See Reston, VA salary details

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How much do remote sensing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote sensing in Reston, VA is $34.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.60 and $36.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is Remote Sensing?

Remote sensing is the process of using satellite, sonar, and aerial imagery to gather information about an area. Remote sensing is often used to collect information on the spread of forest fires, track weather formations, and map the bottom of the ocean. In most time-sensitive cases, sensors are attached to a drone or airplane so they can collect data and add it to the Geospatial Information System (GIS). For businesses, remote sensing is typically used for land surveying, commercial and economic planning, early warning systems, and air traffic control. Remote sensing information is also available through public programs like Google Earth which allow researchers and companies to analyze information without having to collect it themselves.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Sensing Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Sensing Specialist, you need expertise in geospatial analysis, image processing, and a background in environmental science, geography, or a related field. Proficiency in GIS software (such as ArcGIS or QGIS), remote sensing tools (like ENVI or ERDAS Imagine), and programming languages (like Python or R) is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills make a candidate stand out. These abilities are vital for accurately interpreting satellite or aerial data and translating insights into actionable information for decision-makers.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in remote sensing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in remote sensing often encounter challenges such as handling and processing large volumes of complex data, staying updated with rapidly evolving technology, and ensuring data accuracy for analysis. These can be addressed by developing strong skills in data management and using advanced software tools, participating in continuous learning opportunities, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams such as GIS analysts, data scientists, and field researchers. Establishing clear workflows and maintaining open communication with stakeholders also helps ensure project goals are met effectively.

What careers use remote sensing?

Remote sensing is used in careers such as environmental scientists, GIS analysts, cartographers, and remote sensing specialists. These roles involve analyzing satellite or aerial imagery to monitor land use, climate change, agriculture, and natural resources, often requiring skills in GIS software and remote sensing tools like LiDAR and multispectral imaging.

What is the difference between Remote Sensing vs GIS Analyst?

AspectRemote SensingGIS Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Geography, Environmental Science, or related; often GIS or remote sensing certificationsBachelor's in Geography, GIS, or related; GIS certifications common
Work EnvironmentField data collection, satellite image analysis, laboratory workOffice-based, map creation, spatial data analysis
Industry UsageEnvironmental monitoring, agriculture, defense, urban planningUrban planning, transportation, utilities, environmental management
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on satellite data analysis and image processingFocus on spatial data management and map creation

Remote Sensing and GIS Analyst roles share overlapping skills in spatial data and GIS tools, but Remote Sensing emphasizes satellite and aerial image analysis, while GIS Analysts focus on managing and analyzing geographic data for mapping and decision-making.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Sensing jobs in Reston, VA? For Remote Sensing jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Sensing jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Sensing jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Remote Sensing jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Remote Sensing job openings:
Expert Hyperspectral Image Scientist

Expert Hyperspectral Image Scientist

Leidos

Springfield, VA • Remote

$116.35K - $210.33K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 425 rated business services


Job description

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

Position Summary

This expert 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.

Key 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.

Technical Skills Required

  • 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 reportingBasic Qualifications

  • Typically requires a BS degree and 12- 15 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 10 - 13years of prior relevant experience. (Must be able to obtain minimum of 18 combined experience points as defined by customer requirements)
  • Bachelor's degree in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Geospatial Science, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum of 12-15 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 with willingness to obtain CI Polygraph

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.
  • Radiometric, atmospheric, and geometric correction
  • Algorithm development and validation
  • Python, MATLAB, ENVI/IDL, GIS, and scientific scripting
  • Data visualization and technical reporting

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 22, 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 $116,350.00 - $210,325.00

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.


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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

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