Senior Data Science Mentor Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Description

JOB TITLE/TYPE: 

Senior Data Scientist

PAY RANGE:

$150,000 - $200,000

LOCATION:

McLean, VA

JOB SUMMARY :

Are you looking for more than just a seat on a contract?

Are you looking for a place where your work truly matters? At Skyline Scientific, your ideas won't get buried in bureaucracy-they'll directly shape mission-critical capabilities for the intelligence and defense communities.

Our engineers build cutting-edge software that powers real-world remote sensing, OPIR, and dynamic sensor operations. You'll work alongside experts in AI, high-performance computing, and advanced analytics to solve some of the hardest technical challenges in national security.

With top-tier benefits, an entrepreneurial culture, and a close-knit team that values innovation, this is the environment where data scientists can make a real, measurable impact.

Skyline is looking for a Senior Data Scientist to lead research, algorithm development, and advanced analytics for cutting-edge electro-optical and infrared sensing systems. This role applies physics-based modeling, image science, and data analytics to detect, track, locate, and characterize remote sensing targets. While familiarity with OPIR is valuable, the primary emphasis is on EO/IR phenomenology, sensor performance, and multi-platform remote sensing analytics in support of intelligence and defense missions.

Why Skyline Scientific?

• Mission-Focused Work: We solve hard problems in remote sensing, AI-enhanced analytics, and sensor fusion-our work directly impacts national security.
• Industry-Leading Benefits: 15% 401(k) match (no contribution required) and employer-paid healthcare-one of the best packages in the industry.
• Custom Solutions, Not Cookie-Cutter Code: We build custom/niche software for electro-optical, infrared, OPIR, SAR, and dynamic sensor applications.
• High-Performing Team: Collaborate with AI/ML experts, algorithm engineers, and sensor specialists to develop cutting-edge software.
• Opportunities to Innovate: Our engineers don't just write code-they research, design, and deploy groundbreaking AI/ML and sensing algorithms.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide senior level research and development of advanced algorithms for EO/IR remote sensing systems, enabling detection, tracking, location, and characterization of targets.
• Design, implement, and evaluate algorithms to assess EO/IR sensor and camera system performance, including noise modeling, calibration, and sensitivity analysis.
• Conduct advanced analytics research across multiple remote sensing platforms, sensors, and collection geometries.
• Analyze datasets to extract signatures, characterize targets, and generate actionable intelligence insights.
• Review, validate, and enhance analytic products to ensure technical rigor and mission relevance.
• Maintain detailed, reproducible analysis logs documenting workflows, assumptions, and analytic methods.
• Adapt quickly to real-time mission demands and respond to EO/IR analysis requests.
• Support collection planning and requirements definition for remote sensors, coordinating priorities across multiple systems.
• Test and evaluate emerging EO/IR algorithms, tools, and exploitation platforms; and help develop new trade studies and capability assessments.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, analytic findings, and customer-facing presentations.
• Produce technical reports documenting analytic methodologies, results, limitations, and conclusions.
• Mentor junior analysts and researchers; contribute to analytic standards, best practices, and methodology development.
• Recommend enhancements to sensor tools, processes, and workflows; support development of new analytic applications that improve product quality.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Active TOP SECRET/SCI with the ability to obtain a Poly: This position requires a security clearance, which is issued by the US government-U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied Mathematics, or in related fields and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with image processing and/or digital signal processing tools that process short and mid-wave infrared
• Experience using algorithms for target detection and background suppression.
• Experience in the TCPED process for OPIR, either in Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, or Dissemination.
• Experience using multi-data stream ingest and analysis techniques.
• Excellent documentation skills, organizational skills, and verbal communication (including presentation) skills.
• Ability to work independently or with a team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, or in related fields and 10 years of OPIR experience.
• Experience with Python, C/C++, IDL and/or MATLAB.
• Familiar with ArcGIS, Google Earth, Opticks, Palette.

BENEFITS:

• Attractive Salary 
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 25 days 
• Medical, Dental, & Vision: Employer-Paid
• Disability & Life Insurance Coverage  
• 401k: 15% Employer Match (no contribution required) 
• Profit Sharing Options 
• Compressed Workweek Options 
• Annual Performance Bonus 
• Referral & Incentive Bonus Opportunities
• Professional Development & Education Assistance
• Relocation Assistance Options

Join Skyline Scientific-Where Innovation Meets Mission.

This isn't a role where you'll sit idle on a contract-it's an opportunity to design, develop, and deploy advanced software and AI-driven solutions that impact national security.

If you're looking for a position where your expertise is valued, your work makes a difference, and you're surrounded by top-tier talent, apply today.

Our company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and respected.