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Remote Sensing Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Remote Sensing information

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 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 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.

Does remote sensing pay well?

Remote sensing professionals typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced analysts or specialists with skills in GIS, satellite imagery, and data analysis can earn higher wages, especially in industries like defense, environmental management, and geospatial technology.

What can I do with remote sensing?

Remote sensing professionals analyze satellite or aerial imagery to monitor environmental changes, manage natural resources, and support urban planning. They use tools like GIS software and may require skills in data analysis, image processing, and knowledge of sensor technologies.

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, natural resources, and disaster management, often requiring skills in GIS software and remote sensing tools like LiDAR and multispectral imaging.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Sensing jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Remote Sensing jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Sensing jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Sensing jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Remote Sensing jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Remote Sensing job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Sensing job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Principal Product Engineer - Imagery & Remote Sensing

Redlands, CA • On-site, Remote

Esri
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees

$120K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Esri rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
Esri's imagery and remote sensing capabilities have expanded significantly across products including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, and ArcGIS Online. We are seeking individuals with experience applying remote sensing data and ArcGIS to solve complex problems and generate insights in areas such as agriculture, earth science, climate monitoring, conservation, and environmental studies. Ideal candidates have worked with ArcGIS to process, manage, and analyze imagery at scale and are passionate about advancing remote sensing workflows through modern analytical techniques, including machine learning and geospatial AI.
In this role, you will apply your expertise in imagery and remote sensing, combined with a strong engineering background, to help our Software Products team design and deliver innovative solutions for geospatial analysis using data from satellites, aerial platforms, and UAS devices. You will work closely with development and product leads to build capabilities that support advanced image management, visualization, and analysis while driving innovation across multispectral, multidimensional, hyperspectral, and SAR workflows. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of remote sensing technology and expand how airborne, spaceborne, and terrestrial data are leveraged across a wide range of GIS applications and industries.
Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with software developers on software project teams to design, develop, and release product updates which innovate and advance ArcGIS remote sensing capabilities
  • Design, test, and validate recommended patterns and practices which communicate how users can best leverage ArcGIS remote sensing advancements
  • Work with other lead engineers to develop product update roadmaps and schedules based on understanding and prioritizing user issues, requests, and feedback
  • Act as a subject matter expert for multiple products and be available as a technical point of contact for internal and external knowledge sharing and education
  • Support technology demonstrations and presentations for industry events
  • Work across engineering teams to coordinate and align development planning and roadmaps for broad reaching projects like Geospatial AI
  • Help manage software development priorities and manage user expectations through active communication and coordination
  • Understand, test, and communicate deployment patterns and recommended configurations for highly scalable imagery and remote sensing systems based on ArcGIS
  • Research, prototype, and recommend new approaches for AI-enabled image analysis, raster analytics, and imagery workflows, including emerging foundation models and embeddings

Requirements
  • 8+ years of experience in remote sensing, image processing, or image analysis
  • Strong expertise with GIS concepts and extensive experience using ArcGIS platform technologies
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct applied research and rapidly prototype analytical workflows using Python
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Geography, Remote Sensing, Geophysics, Geomatics, or a related field

Recommended Qualifications
  • Master's degree in computer science, Geography, Remote Sensing, Geophysics, Geomatics, or a related field
  • Experience processing and analyzing remote sensing data using modern computer vision, AI, and machine learning techniques
  • Knowledge of managing and analyzing multispectral, hyperspectral, SAR, thermal, and other remote sensing data
  • Experience automating imagery workflows using ArcPy, the ArcGIS API for Python, or similar tools
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms such as Azure and AWS for managing and processing geospatial imagery
  • Understanding of imagery management best practices, industry standards (OGC, STAC, COG), and modern data storage strategies
  • Experience working on research, product, or software development teams focused on remote sensing and integrating ArcGIS imagery capabilities with enterprise systems

#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
$120,640-$193,752 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.

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About ESRI

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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