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Remote Sensing Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Directly support the government program manager throughout the research and development lifecycle for EO/IR remote sensing projects, including: * Programmatic and technical support to customer ...

Bachelor's degree in Geospatial Intelligence, Geography, Remote Sensing, Intelligence Studies, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience * Experience with end-to-end website planning ...

Bachelor's degree in Geospatial Intelligence, Geography, Remote Sensing, Intelligence Studies, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience * Demonstrated experience with Java development.

Scientific Programmer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site +1

$78K - $100K/yr

Must have a Bachelor's degree in GIS, Remote Sensing, Marine Science, Engineering, Biology, Oceanography, or related field. * 5+ years of related experience. * Software development experience ...

Vice President, Customer Operations

Herndon, VA · Remote

$142K - $182K/yr

Apply knowledge of remote sensing, geospatial analytics, and space-based intelligence solutions to customer needs. * Guide discussions on SLAs, data delivery, system integrations, and operational ...

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Remote Sensing information

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How much do remote sensing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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 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 is remote sensing?

Remote sensing is the science and technology of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, typically using aircraft or satellites. It involves capturing data through sensors that detect reflected or emitted energy from the Earth's surface. This information is used in various fields such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster response. Remote sensing allows for large-scale data collection without direct contact, making it invaluable for tracking changes over time.

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 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 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 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:
EO/IR Systems Engineer

EO/IR Systems Engineer

SAIC

Chantilly, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


SAIC rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 203 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2611519

Location: Chantilly, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-04-21

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Systems Engineer

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI_wPoly

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC seeks a senior EO/IR Systems Engineer providing programmatic and comprehensive technical support to government leadership in executing a mission portfolio focused on advanced electro-optical (EO)/infrared (IR) remote sensing development programs. The successful candidate will be a proactive Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) with strong communications skills and the ability to operate effectively across technical and programmatic domains. It is important that the candidate possess strong administrative/management skills as the position requires roughly two-thirds program management focus and one-third technical contribution.
 
Core Responsibilities

 
Strategic Mission Support
  • Identify, assess, and implement technical and programmatic needs necessary to execute the government lead's mission objectives across optical technology domains
  • Develop technical strategies, analyses, recommendations, and technology roadmaps for advanced EO/IR sensor development
  • Anticipate program challenges and independently develop solutions that align with mission goals and stakeholder requirements
  • Requires self-initiated and proactive planning in support of GPOC objectives and direction
 
Program Management Support
  • Directly support the government program manager throughout the research and development lifecycle for EO/IR remote sensing projects, including:
    • Programmatic and technical support to customer leaders and staff as part of a SETA team
  • Administrative support for the program office including budget profiles, tracking, spend planning, and financial analysis
  • Authoring papers and briefings for internal and external audiences to address organizational business processes and information requirements
  • Requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail
 
Acquisition and Contracting
  • Support project acquisition planning and execution, including:
    • Drafting acquisition documents (e.g., Broad Agency Announcements, Requests for Proposal, Statements of Work, specifications, Contract Data Requirements Lists)
  • Supporting source selection activities (e.g. technical evaluations, proposal assessments)
  • Assisting the IC customer with acquisition and oversight of technology development contracts
  • Developing briefings for government acquisition processes and strong writing skills
  • Requires understanding of government acquisition processes and strong writing skills
     
 
Technical Oversight and Review
  • Provide technical oversight to ensure program success, including:
    • Reviewing contractor engineering documents and procedures, requirements flowdown, verification methodologies, calibration plans, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and test plans
  • Participating in design reviews to uphold the customer's interests
  • Identifying and assessing project or program technical and programmatic risks
  • Requires systems-level thinking and ability to critically evaluate technical approaches
     
 
Stakeholder Communication and Coordination
  • Develop and deliver briefings and documentation for diverse audiences, including:
    • Office-level reviews (technical performance, spend planning, budget requests)
  • Enterprise review boards and inter-agency working groups
  • Departmental or Congressional inquiries
  • Actively participate in intra- and inter- agency forums
  • Collaborate with outside organizations such as other government agencies, laboratories, and universities
  • Requires excellent communications skills and ability to build trusted relationships across organizational boundaries
 
Technology Assessment and Innovation
  • Advance technology awareness and transition planning through:
    • Surveying and documenting state-of-the-art technologies in EO/IR sensing domains
  • Participating in or monitoring execution of studies or surveys by outside organizations
  • Supporting project closeout and transition execution to system program offices for flight development
  • Requires intellectual curiosity and commitment to staying current with emerging technologies.
 
 

 

 

Qualifications

Qualifications 
  • Active TS/SCI with Poly.
  • Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related discipline with 9+ years related experience, -or- Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or related discipline 7+ years related experience.
  • Knowledge of the data processing chain for electro-optical (EO) remote sensing systems (aka tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination) is a discriminator but not required.
  • Project management experience for research and development activities.
  • Prepared to learn the mission including radiation effects on space-based EO components to the point you will be able to participate in technical discussions.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic and energetic environment.
  • Good working knowledge of MS Office applications.
  • Effective interpersonal skills and strong briefing and writing skills.
  • Familiarity with defense and intelligence acquisition, budget planning and contracting


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