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How much do remote sensing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote sensing in the United States is $32.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.77 and $34.62 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 cities are hiring for Remote Sensing jobs? Cities with the most Remote Sensing job openings:
What states have the most Remote Sensing jobs? States with the most job openings for Remote Sensing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Remote Sensing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 50% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 45% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,000 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Electro Optical Remote Sensing Engineer

Electro Optical Remote Sensing Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country's space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Integrated Sensor Design and Analysis Department (ISDAD), within the Sensing and Processing Subdivision (SPS) in MPD,is seeking a Electro Optical Remote Sensing Engineer to join our team of scientists and engineers engaged in developing the nation's next generation of remote sensing systems for Department of Defense and national security customers. The ISDAD team supports all aspects of advanced remote sensing system development: designing and assessing the performance of optics and electro-optical sensor systems, modeling the end-to-end sensing system, developing innovative data processing and computer vision algorithms, and producing simulated data products for new applications.Our work directly influences Government architecture and acquisition decisions as well as the design, acquisition, and fielding of world class sensing capabilities that are crucial for defending our nation.

As an Electro Optical Remote Sensing Engineer joining ISDAD, you will provide expertise and skills in the modeling and simulation of remote sensing systems, and constellations of such systems, with a specific focus on overhead, persistent, infrared missile warning and tracking systems.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo

What You'll Be Doing

  • Provide electro-optical modeling expertise for analysis in the areas of Overhead Persistent Infrared Earth background remote sensing for military missile defense, intelligence, commercial and civil applications

  • Leverage physics-based modeling and simulation to support the development of new remote sensing concepts including the development of technical performance requirements and the assessment of proposed designs

  • Create and validate synthetic imagery for remote sensor system testing and evaluation

  • Develop unique, efficient scene generation solutions using existing tools and work with a team to develop new capabilities that support sensor system evaluations under rapid acquisition timelines

  • Collaborate with internal Aerospace program office leads, Government personnel and across the technical community to identify and advise on modeling and simulation needs and opportunities to enhance capabilities

  • Document technical findings in reports, presentations and peer-reviewed publications

What You Need to be Successful - Senior MTS

Minimum Requirements:

  • Degreefrom anaccredited university in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or another related discipline

  • 5+ years of experience performing electro-optical sensor, system, and/or phenomenology modeling and simulation, either in the workforce and/or in the pursuit of an advanced degree

  • Demonstrated experienceusing a common processing language (e.g. MATLAB, Python, IDL, C/C++, Fortran) to implement modeling and simulation analysis

  • Ability to travel domestically occasionally

  • This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Engineering Specialist:

  • 3+ years (for a total of 8+ years) ofexperienceperforming electro-optical sensor, system, and/or phenomenology modeling and simulation, either in the workforce and/or in the pursuit of an advanced degree

  • Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal teams, Government customers, and contractor personnel

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Demonstrated technical or project leadership experience

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Strong analytic problem-solving skills relating to the performance of passive remote sensing electro-optical visible and infrared sensors, especially OPIR systems, and including topics such as radiometry, radiative transfer modeling, image chain analysis, target detection, sensor performance metrics, earth-background infrared signatures, and visible and infrared backgrounds.

  • Proficiency in modeling remote sensing engagement scenarios using radiative transport solvers and scene simulation software such as MODTRAN, SSGM, ASSET, DIRSIG, PRA toolkit, or FLITES

  • Operational understanding of remote sensing, radiance transfer, and applied physics

  • Demonstrated flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need

  • Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) or Intelligence Community Customers

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$110,400.00 - $193,500.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.