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Sensor Scientist Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

ICES, Inc.

Radar Sensor Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Experience in Radar Image Science (Phenomenology, Sensor technology, Image Processing, Product Quality) * Understanding and application of image quality standards, scales, metrics, and image quality ...

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$94K - $128K/yr

Design, implement, and evaluate algorithms for EO/IR sensor and camera system performance ... Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied ...

Entarian

Scientist - Sensor Cal/Val

College Park, MD · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview/ Job Responsibilities Entarian is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist/Engineer to support NOAA operational calibration of sensors on Low Earth Orbiting satellites ...

NCSL International

Senior Scientist

Springfield, VA · On-site

$150 - $235/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Scientist What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is looking for a Senior Scientist to support ... Design, implement, and evaluate algorithms for EO/IR sensor and camera system performance including ...

New

GRVTY

Technical Scientist - SME

Springfield, VA · On-site +1

Design, implement, and evaluate algorithms for EO/IR sensor and camera system performance ... Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied ...

Entarian

Scientist - Sensor Cal/Val

College Park, MD · On-site

$85 - $115/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview / Job Responsibilities Entarian is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Scientist/Engineer to support NOAA operational calibration of sensors on Low Earth Orbiting satellites ...

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $235K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, implement, and evaluate algorithms for EO/IR sensor and camera system performance ... Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied ...

GRVTY

Senior Scientist

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$150K - $235K/yr

Design, implement, and evaluate algorithms for EO/IR sensor and camera system performance ... Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied ...

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All JobsSensor Scientist JobsSensor Scientist Jobs in Springfield, VA

Sensor Scientist information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$52.7K

$116.3K

$143.6K

How much do sensor scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for sensor scientist in Springfield, VA is $116,301.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,700.00 and $143,100.00 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 are popular job titles related to Sensor Scientist jobs in Springfield, VA?

For Sensor Scientist jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sensor Scientist jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Sensor Scientist jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Sensor Scientist jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Sensor Scientist job openings:

Sensor Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sensor Scientist job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,301 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Chief Scientist & Sensor Systems Innovator (Arlington)

STR

Arlington, VA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Role:

The position will have a significant and immediate impact on our national security by leveraging capabilities, expertise and experience from across STR. We believe that each candidate has a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives that could enable us to provide our customers with innovative solutions; the skills listed below are intended to give you a sense for the position. If you see an overlap with your skills, go ahead and apply!

The Chief Scientist/Technical Fellow will help the company to build out a talented multi-site team. They will also be responsible for all aspects of the business process, working closely with other leaders and will include technical marketing, business development, proposal writing, recruiting, program execution and staff mentoring.

The Chief Scientist/Technical Fellow should have experience across the important technologies in the sensor technology space, including signal processing, RF and EO/IR hardware, machine learning/artificial intelligence, system integration, field testing, data collection, missions and CONOPs, open architectures and software development, along with a proven track record of delivering quality results to customers in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Communities (IC).

What you will Do:

  • Technical marketing to existing and potential customers
  • Technical proposal development (idea generation, writing, reviewing)
  • Creating innovative solutions to challenging sensing/counter-sensing problems
  • Leading teams to design, develop, implement, test and analyze solutions to national security problems
  • Serving as primary technical point of contact for specific customers and offices
  • Travel to various STR and customer locations

Who you Are:

  • This position requires a Top-Secret security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed by U.S. Government
  • Entrepreneurial spirit eager to engage in technical marketing and business development
  • Proven track record in writing and winning technical proposals
  • 15+ years of relevant experience in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering, Mathematics or Physics
  • Substantial experience leading technical teams on advanced R&D programs (e.g., Air Force, Navy, Army, DARPA and IC research projects)
  • Experience developing innovative sensing solutions with new sensors and/or algorithms
  • Motivated collaborator and effective communicator to both technical and non-technical audiences

Nice to Haves:

  • Active Security Clearance at the TS level
  • Experience working with the Department of Defense (or Intelligence Community) on sensor and signal processing related technology

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, and Carlsbad, CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.

STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at appassist@str.us and provide your contact info.

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