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Sar Image Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IC-CAP LLC

Senior SAR Image Scientist 100-011

Springfield, VA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Senior Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Image Scientist to join a skilled, highly respected and long-standing team supporting product quality mission. This is a unique opportunity to enhance your ...

Geo Owl

Imagery Scientist - SAR Expert

Springfield, VA · On-site

Position Overview The Imagery Scientist - SAR Expert provides advanced technical expertise in ... Deep understanding of SAR collection methodologies, phenomenology, image formation processes, and ...

Geo Owl

Imagery Scientist - SAR Expert

Springfield, VA · On-site

Position Overview The Imagery Scientist - SAR Expert provides advanced technical expertise in ... Deep understanding of SAR collection methodologies, phenomenology, image formation processes, and ...

TRIAEM, LLC

Image Scientist - Senior

Springfield, VA · On-site

Experience working with SAR or OPIR imaging platforms * Image processing and Digital Signal ... Apply image science and systems engineering experience with sensor phenomenology of NTM, Airborne ...

TRIAEM, LLC

Image Scientist - Senior

Springfield, VA · On-site

Experience working with SAR or OPIR imaging platforms * Image processing and Digital Signal ... Apply image science and systems engineering experience with sensor phenomenology of NTM, Airborne ...

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Sar Image Scientist information

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$81.5K

$134.1K

$183K

How much do sar image scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for sar image scientist in the United States is $134,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $157,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are SAR Image Scientists?

SAR Image Scientists are professionals who specialize in analyzing and interpreting Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. They use advanced techniques to process radar data, extract meaningful information, and support applications such as environmental monitoring, mapping, disaster response, and defense. Their work often involves image processing, pattern recognition, and the development of algorithms to enhance the quality and utility of SAR images. SAR Image Scientists collaborate with researchers, government agencies, and private organizations to ensure accurate and actionable insights from radar data.

What are some typical challenges faced by a SAR Image Scientist when working with large datasets?

SAR Image Scientists often handle massive volumes of radar data, which can present challenges in terms of data storage, processing speed, and ensuring data integrity. Managing and preprocessing these datasets for analysis requires familiarity with high-performance computing environments and advanced image processing tools. Additionally, interpreting SAR imagery involves addressing noise, calibration issues, and varying acquisition parameters, all of which require strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Collaboration with software engineers, remote sensing experts, and end users is common to ensure accurate analysis and deliver actionable insights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a SAR Image Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a SAR Image Scientist, you need a strong background in remote sensing, radar signal processing, and geospatial analysis, usually supported by a degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as MATLAB, Python, ENVI, and SAR processing software, as well as experience with GIS systems, is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly are vital soft skills in this role. These skills are important because they enable effective interpretation and exploitation of SAR data for applications in earth observation, defense, and environmental monitoring.

What is the difference between Sar Image Scientist vs Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Data Analyst?

AspectSar Image ScientistSynthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Data Analyst
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in remote sensing, electrical engineering, or related fields; expertise in SAR image processingDegree in geospatial sciences, environmental science, or related fields; proficiency in SAR data analysis
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, defense agencies, aerospace companiesGovernment agencies, environmental organizations, geospatial firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in defense, aerospace, and research sectorsIn environmental monitoring, disaster response, and mapping projects

The Sar Image Scientist focuses on developing and improving SAR imaging techniques and algorithms, often working in research or defense settings. In contrast, the SAR Data Analyst primarily interprets SAR data for practical applications like environmental monitoring or disaster management. While both roles require knowledge of SAR technology, the Scientist emphasizes algorithm development, whereas the Analyst emphasizes data interpretation and application.

Infographic showing various Sar Image Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,126 per year, or $64.5 per hour.

Sr. SAR Image Scientist 100-008

IC-CAP LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Sr. SAR Image Scientist is a unique opportunity to enhance your career by working with the community subject matter experts, directly with the customer and with project autonomy not customarily given as a government contractor. Based on the priorities of the customer, the image scientist will support product evaluations, quality studies, new product initializations, product algorithm assessments, or develop image quality equations to quantify the expected quality of a system given various parameters.
Duties may Include:
  • Have a working understanding and practical application of modeling components of the image path to include sensor, detector, atmospheric, and material properties.
  • Simulation and modeling experience and ability to develop algorithm description documentation for software development is needed.
  • Familiarity with current GEOINT systems, products and development, as well as the exploitation software packages will be necessary to develop test and verification methodologies.
  • Work within an existing team to complete tasks as prioritized by government customers.
  • Good communication and teamwork is necessary. A history of delivering results is critical to success.
  • Sensor modeling; decomposing product formation elements to quantify the overall quality of the image chain
  • Algorithm assessment to quantify the performance of a product given desire mission application
  • Performing baseline assessment of system performance to support sensor initialization
  • Operational monitoring of system performance over time
  • Responding to detected errors and artifacts by recommending possible causes and corrective actions

Experience and Education
Required:
  • Bachelor or advanced degree in Image Science, Optics, Engineering, or Applied Physics
  • 12 Years of experience with a BS/BA, or 10 Years of experience with an MS/MA, or 7 Years of experience with a PhD
  • Must have SAR expertise
  • Experience working with Imagery and Complex products collected with SAR imaging platforms
  • Image processing and Digital Signal processing experience
  • Image chain analysis to include sensor modeling, signal quality and noise, detectors, detector calibration, and complex processing image formation.
  • Application of error estimation.
  • Understanding and application of image quality standards (e.g. NIIRS), scales, metrics and image quality equations.
  • Significant applied knowledge of sensor imaging systems, products, and exploitation processes
  • Strong understanding of the systems engineering lifecycle to include independent testing and data verification
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with emphasis on briefing to obtain decisions and solve technical issues and test plans/reports writing
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Willingness to learn, solve problems and perform in a dynamic work environment
  • Track record of delivering results

Desired:
  • Knowledge of National System for Geospatial-Intelligence (NSG) tasking, collection, processing, exploitation and dissemination (TCPED) image chain, specifically the exploitation of SAR imagery and complex data products.
  • Experience working in a DoD or IC operational environment
  • Experience developing engineering code (C, Python, Matlab, IDL) to solve hard problems and create processes for repeatable results.

Security Clearance:
  • Active TS/SCI Clearance and the willingness to sit for a CI polygraph, if needed

IC-CAP provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status.

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