Expert Exploitation Scientist / Data Scientist

Riverside Research; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Research seeks an Expert Exploitation Scientist/Data Scientist to lead GEOINT exploitation capabilities in Falls Church, VA. The role combines sensor phenomenology, data science, and exploitation tradecraft to guide multi-sensor workflows and advanced analytic methods.

You will mentor junior staff, collaborate with government partners, and contribute to DoD and IC missions through rigorous analytics and reproducible data pipelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Data Science, Remote Sensing, Image Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in GEOINT exploitation, analytic modeling, or advanced image science.
• Strong proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical languages.
• Experience developing machine learning or statistical models for imagery exploitation or intelligence workflows.
• Hands-on expertise with common exploitation tools (ENVI/IDL, ArcGIS, ERDAS, GDAL).

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-sensor exploitation efforts across EO, IR, SAR, multispectral, and specialized collections.
• Develop advanced analytic algorithms and models for detection, classification, change analysis, and data fusion.
• Apply data science methodologies including statistical modeling, machine learning, and automation.
• Perform deep-dive image science analyses, sensor performance evaluations, and phenomenology-driven characterization.
• Design and refine data workflows, ensuring reproducible processing, metadata consistency, and data governance.
• Integrate ML/AI capabilities into exploitation pipelines, coordinating with engineering, R&D, and mission partners.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, analytical reports, and capability demonstrations to senior customers.
• Lead development of SOPs, analytic standards, and documentation for multi-mission exploitation operations.
• Provide mentorship to analysts, data scientists, and junior staff.
• Coordinate with collection managers and system developers to optimize tasking strategies.
• Ensure timely delivery of mission-critical GEOINT products.

Skills

GEOINT exploitation

Python

Machine learning

Image analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Data Science/Remote Sensing/ Image Science/ Physics/ Electrical Engineering

Tools

ENVI/IDL

ArcGIS

ERDAS

GDAL

Job description

Expert Exploitation Scientist / Data Scientist

Location: US-VA-Fairfax

ID: 2026-4404

Category: Engineering

Position Type: Full Time Salary

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country's most challenging technical problems.

All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research is seeking an experienced Expert Exploitation Scientist / Data Scientist to lead the development, integration, and delivery of advanced GEOINT exploitation capabilities in Falls Church VA. This role combines deep expertise in sensor phenomenology, data science, analytical modeling, and exploitation tradecraft. The Senior Exploitation Scientist will guide multi-sensor workflows, design new analytic methods, mentor junior staff, and collaborate directly with government partners to enhance intelligence production for DoD and Intelligence Community missions.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-sensor exploitation efforts across EO, IR, SAR, multispectral, and specialized collections
• Develop advanced analytic algorithms and models for detection, classification, change analysis, and data fusion
• Apply data science methodologies-including statistical modeling, machine learning, and automation-to improve exploitation accuracy and efficiency
• Perform deep-dive image science analyses, sensor performance evaluations, and phenomenology-driven characterization
• Design and refine data workflows, ensuring reproducible processing, metadata consistency, and high-quality data governance
• Integrate ML/AI capabilities into exploitation pipelines, coordinating with engineering, R&D, and mission partners
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, analytical reports, and capability demonstrations to senior customers
• Lead development of SOPs, analytic standards, and documentation for multi-mission exploitation operations
• Provide direct mentorship to analysts, data scientists, and junior exploitation personnel
• Coordinate with collection managers, system developers, and intelligence stakeholders to optimize tasking strategies and analytical impact
• Ensure timely delivery of mission-critical GEOINT products supporting operational and strategic decision-making
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Data Science, Remote Sensing, Image Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience
• 15+ years of experience in GEOINT exploitation, analytic modeling, or advanced image science
• Strong proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical languages
• Experience developing machinelearning or statistical models for imagery exploitation or intelligence workflows
• Hands-on expertise with common exploitation tools (ENVI/IDL, ArcGIS, ERDAS, GDAL, or relevant sensor-specific toolsets)
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and guide analytic development
• Strong understanding of DoD/IC data standards, mission priorities, and production workflows
• Active TS or higher clearance

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with multi-sensor fusion, hyperspectral analysis, or advanced phenomenology-driven modeling
• Familiarity with cloud environments, data orchestration frameworks, or large-scale data architectures
• Experience supporting R&D, prototype evaluation, or system integration efforts
• GEOINT-related certifications or recognized technical publications
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage senior customers

Global Comp

$000,000 - $000,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.

Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran's status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.