Exploitation Scientist/Data Scientist

Riverside Research; Fair Lakes (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Research is seeking an experienced Exploitation Scientist/Data Scientist to lead the development, integration, and delivery of advanced GEOINT exploitation capabilities in Falls Church VA. You will guide multi-sensor workflows, design analytic methods, mentor staff, and collaborate with government partners to enhance intelligence production for DoD and IC missions.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 7+ years of GEOINT experience, plus strong Python/MATLAB

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Remote Sensing, Image Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of GEOINT exploitation or related experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical languages.
• Experience developing ML and statistical models for imagery exploitation and workflows.
• Hands-on expertise with EO/GEOINT tools (ENVI/IDL, ArcGIS, ERDAS, GDAL).
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and guide analytic development.
• Strong understanding of DoD/IC data standards and production workflows.
• Active TS or higher security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-sensor exploitation across EO, IR, SAR, multispectral, and specialized collections.
• Develop advanced analytic algorithms and models for detection, classification, and data fusion.
• Apply data science methodologies to improve exploitation accuracy and efficiency.
• Conduct advanced image science analyses and sensor performance evaluations.
• Design and refine data processing workflows with good metadata governance.
• Integrate AI/ML into exploitation pipelines and coordinate with engineering and mission partners.
• Prepare technical briefings, reports, and capability demonstrations for senior customers.
• Develop SOPs and analytic standards to support multi-mission operations.
• Mentor analysts and junior staff in exploitation practices.
• Coordinate with collection managers and system developers to optimize strategies.

Skills

GEOINT exploitation

Leadership

DoD/IC data standards

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Data Science or related field

Tools

ENVI/IDL

ArcGIS

ERDAS

GDAL

Python

MATLAB

Job description

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 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 multi-source data fusion.

• Apply data science methodologies, including statistical modeling, machine learning, and automation, to improve exploitation accuracy and efficiency.

• Conduct advanced image science analyses, sensor performance evaluations, and phenomenology-driven characterization.

• Design and refine data processing workflows, ensuring reproducibility, metadata consistency, and effective data governance.

• Integrate AI/ML capabilities into exploitation pipelines while coordinating with engineering, R&D, and mission partners.

• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, analytical reports, and capability demonstrations to senior customers and stakeholders.

• Lead the development of SOPs, analytic standards, and technical documentation supporting multi-mission exploitation operations.

• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to analysts, data scientists, and junior exploitation personnel.

• Coordinate with collection managers, system developers, and intelligence stakeholders to optimize collection strategies, tasking, and analytical impact.

• Ensure the timely delivery of mission-critical GEOINT products supporting operational and strategic decision-making.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Data Science, Remote Sensing, Image Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience.

• 7+ years of experience in GEOINT exploitation, analytic modeling, advanced image science, or a related discipline.

• Strong proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical programming languages.

• Experience developing machine learning and statistical models for imagery exploitation and intelligence workflows.

• Hands-on expertise with EO/GEOINT exploitation tools, including ENVI/IDL, ArcGIS, ERDAS, GDAL, or relevant sensor-specific toolsets.

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and guide analytic development efforts.

• Strong understanding of DoD/IC data standards, mission priorities, and production workflows.

• Active TS or higher security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with multi-sensor data fusion, hyperspectral analysis, or phenomenology-driven modeling.

• Familiarity with cloud environments, data orchestration frameworks, and large-scale data architectures.

• Experience supporting R&D, prototype evaluation, or system integration efforts.

• GEOINT-related certifications or recognized technical publications.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage senior customers and stakeholders.

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.