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Sensor Scientist Jobs in Amherst, MA (NOW HIRING)

Conduct assessment of potential differences between new sensor characteristics and capabilities ... scientific processes of SAR imagery data to aid analysis * Exhibit a deep understanding of the ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented SAR Imagery Scientist to join our team in ... Based on the characteristics and limitations of the emergent sensor, recommend curation strategies ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Senior Data Scientist to join our team in ... Ensure all sensor data adheres to Government directed data schemas, formats, and governance ...

Robotics Tutor

Northampton, MA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain sensor integration, PID control, gear ratios, and autonomous navigation while ... computer science, and artificial intelligence applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

... multiple sensor modalities, such as EO, FMV, HMI, and SAR. * Ensure data dictionaries, Entity ... Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Data Science, Data Engineering, or Geospatial ...

Sensor Scientist information

See Amherst, MA salary details

$49.7K

$109.7K

$135.4K

How much do sensor scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for sensor scientist in Amherst, MA is $109,658.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,100.00 and $134,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sensor scientist?

Sensor Scientists are professionals who research, design, develop, and test sensors used to detect and measure physical properties such as temperature, pressure, motion, light, or chemical composition. They work in a variety of industries including electronics, automotive, environmental monitoring, healthcare, and manufacturing. Sensor Scientists often collaborate with engineers to improve existing sensor technology or create new types of sensors for specialized applications. Their work involves both theoretical analysis and hands-on experimentation to enhance sensor performance, reliability, and integration into systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sensor scientist, and why are they important?

A Sensor Scientist typically needs a solid background in physics, chemistry, or engineering, along with experience in sensor design, data analysis, and a relevant advanced degree. Familiarity with analytical tools, simulation software, and laboratory instrumentation is crucial, and certifications in areas like instrumentation or materials science can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for excelling in this field. These competencies enable Sensor Scientists to innovate, accurately interpret sensor data, and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges sensor scientists face when developing new sensor technologies?

Sensor Scientists often encounter challenges such as ensuring sensitivity and accuracy of new sensors while maintaining cost-effectiveness and scalability for manufacturing. Integrating sensors with existing hardware and software platforms can also be complex, requiring close collaboration with engineers and data scientists. Additionally, staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving materials and technology standards is crucial, as is navigating regulatory requirements for safety and environmental impact.

What is the difference between Sensor Scientist vs Sensor Engineer?

AspectSensor ScientistSensor Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a master's or Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, or materials scienceUsually holds a bachelor's or master's in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or R&D departmentsManufacturing facilities, product development teams, or engineering firms
Primary FocusDeveloping new sensor materials and understanding sensor phenomenaDesigning, testing, and implementing sensor systems for practical applications
Industry UsageResearch and development, academia, specialized industriesElectronics, automotive, aerospace, consumer devices

Sensor Scientists focus on researching and developing new sensor materials and understanding sensor behavior, often working in labs or academic settings. Sensor Engineers apply this knowledge to design and implement sensor systems in real-world products and applications. While both roles require technical expertise, their work environments and primary objectives differ.

How to become a sensor scientist?

To become a sensor scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field is required, with many roles favoring a master's or Ph.D. in sensor technology, materials science, or electrical engineering. Developing skills in data analysis, instrumentation, and sensor design, along with experience using tools like MATLAB or LabVIEW, is also important. Gaining practical experience through internships or research projects can enhance job prospects in this specialized field.

What job categories do people searching Sensor Scientist jobs in Amherst, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Sensor Scientist jobs in Amherst, MA are:

What cities near Amherst, MA are hiring for Sensor Scientist jobs?

Cities near Amherst, MA with the most Sensor Scientist job openings:

Expert SAR Imagery Scientist

MANTECH

Springfield, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


ManTech rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

hackajob is collaborating with MANTECH to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Expert SAR Imagery Scientist to join our team in Springfield, VA. This is a full-time onsite position.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Conduct assessment of potential differences between new sensor characteristics and capabilities compared to currently utilized platforms.
  • Assess potential differences in metadata, data format, and data structure characteristics in regard to changes to databases, schemas, APls, and other ETL related processes for the ingestion and movement of data when integrating into the existing data operations pipeline.
  • Determine how to acquire new data, potential latency associated with acquisition, data formats, and security domains.
  • Determine how to pre-process and standardize the data to match existing data standards or to be transformed into a usable state for labeling and model testing purposes. This may involve converting between file format types or tiling full-size images into specified sizes or geospatial bounds.
  • Investigate any gaps in the emerging sensor capability that may need to be supplemented by other sources.
  • Explore options for coincident imagery collects from other imagery platforms (e.g., EO platforms) that align with areas of emerging sensor's collection. Determine other platforms with similar geographic and temporal coverage.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 20+ years of experience; BA/BS can account for 4 years while a MA/MS can account for 6 years of experience.
  • 6+ years as a SAR expert with understanding of collection, phenomenology, image formation process, and exploitation products is required.
  • Experience using SARPy and Matlab SAR toolbox
  • Experience in RNIIRS, information theoretic-based image quality metrics, SAR imagery quality metrics (e.g., Integrated Side lobe Ratio, Multiplicative Noise Ratio}, and sensor metadata describing impacts of geometry on phenomenology (e.g., graze, squint, azimuth)
  • Experience exploiting SAR to determine the occurrence and location of objects of interest
  • Experience developing, testing, and evaluating new algorithms, processes, methodologies, and products using SAR imagery including experience utilizing advanced processing tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Google Earth Engine, etc.) to automate scientific processes of SAR imagery data to aid analysis
  • Exhibit a deep understanding of the principles of remote sensing and imagery processing and advanced exploitation methods

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience applying CV and machine learning (ML) techniques to SAR imagery and data to address intelligence problems

Clearance Requirements:

  • An active TS/SCI clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a polygraph

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while performing imagery analysis and reporting.
  • Must be able to occasionally move about the work area to collaborate with team members and access mission systems.

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