Computer Scientist

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seeks a Computer Scientist to conduct compliance activities under the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act and operate within the Office of Space Commerce in Washington, DC.

You will perform site surveillance, review ground terminal hardware, and analyze datasets to ensure lawful remote sensing operations, with a focus on cybersecurity and regulatory adherence.

Qualifications

• Experience in analysis of remote sensing data and spacecraft operations.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity measures and IT system artifacts is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct compliance activities under Land Remote Sensing Policy Act and related regulations.
• Perform site compliance, surveillance, and inspections of remote sensing ground terminals.
• Review telemetry, tracking, control logs, and data quality for compliance with laws and licenses.

Job description

Open: September 22, 2026 — Closes: October 5, 2026

Summary

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of the Under Secretary, Office of Space Commerce (OSC), Commercial Remote Sensing Regulatory Affairs with one vacancy in Washington, DC. This position is also announced under vacancy number UNSEC OSC-26-13066526-DE, which is open to all US Citizens or Nationals. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.

Major Duties

As a Computer Scientist, you will perform the following duties: Conduct compliance activities under the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act ("the Act"), regulations issued under the Act, and conditions issued in licenses to operate private remote sensing space systems. Perform Site Compliance and Surveillance Schedules and supervise on-site inspections to observe remote ground terminal hardware and operations. Scrutinize and safeguard compliance for spacecraft and satellite command and control networks and associate ground terminal hardware by collecting and reviewing material. Scope the comprehensive analysis of remote sensing data and imagery products, satellite and networking logs, telemetry, tracking, and control or remote sensing system operation logs, and cybersecurity measures. Assure compliance by scrutinizing spacecraft and satellite command and control networks, ground terminal hardware, and technical architecture, while analyzing information system artifacts and technical measures to enforce adherence. Seek to understand remote sensing payload data qualities and properties, including electro-optical, visible near infrared, panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, infrared, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), X-band, L-band, and C-band imaging, reflectometry, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), penetrating radar, and imaging radar. Structure and secure lines of inquiry to gather information and artifacts regarding non-compliance or violations of law for administrative law enforcement proceedings. Submit comprehensive objective, investigative analytic products, notes, reports, and memoranda pertaining to compliance, non-compliance, and violations. Note: These duties are described at the full performance level of the ZP-4; the ZP-3 is developmental leading to such performance. This position will be filled under the DOC Alternative Personnel System (CAPS). Under CAPS, positions are classified by career, pay plan, and pay band. The ZP-3 is equivalent to the GS-11/12. The ZP-4 is equivalent to the GS-13/14. The ZP-4 is the full performance level of the position. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: This position requires the operation of a Federal motor vehicle. Requires a valid state driver's license to operate a government vehicle for site visits, inspections, etc. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Must be able to obtain and maintain a Special Sensitive security clearance to support duties requiring access to Top Secret documents. Testing Designated Position (TDP) position requires mandatory drug testing.