Expert SAR Imagery Scientist

MANTECH; Springfield (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

MANTECH seeks a motivated Expert SAR Imagery Scientist to join our team in Springfield, VA. This full-time position requires over 20 years of experience in SAR with specific tools like SARPy and Matlab. Responsibilities include assessing sensor characteristics, processing imagery data, and developing algorithms. Candidates should also have experience in machine learning techniques applied to SAR imagery. An active TS/SCI clearance is required for this role, as well as a robust understanding of remote sensing principles.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience; BA/BS can account for 4 years, MA/MS can account for 6 years of experience.
• 6+ years as a SAR expert with an understanding of collection, phenomenology, and exploitation products.
• Experience using SARPy and Matlab SAR toolbox.
• Proficient in RNIIRS and image quality metrics related to SAR imagery.
• Experience exploiting SAR to determine the location of objects of interest.
• Developing and evaluating algorithms using SAR imagery including automation with advanced tools.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessment of potential differences in sensor characteristics.
• Assess changes to metadata and data structures for integration.
• Determine acquisition methods for new data and assess latency.
• Pre-process and standardize data to match current standards.
• Investigate gaps in emerging sensor capabilities.
• Explore options for coincident imagery collects from other platforms.

Skills

SAR expert knowledge

Matlab SAR toolbox

Python

Machine learning techniques

Remote sensing principles

Education

BA/BS

MA/MS

Tools

SARPy

Google Earth Engine

Job description

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

• 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, APIs, 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.