Exploitation Scientist / Data Scientist

Riverside Research; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Research in Falls Church, VA seeks an experienced Exploitation Scientist / Data Scientist to lead GEOINT exploitation capabilities across multi-sensor data, guide analytics, and mentor staff. You will work with government partners to deliver mission-critical intelligence products.

The role requires strong coding (Python/MATLAB), ML model development for imagery, and deep knowledge of sensor phenomenology, data governance, and DoD/IC workflows, with an active TS clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Data Science, Remote Sensing, Image Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of GEOINT exploitation, analytic modeling, or advanced image science.
• Strong proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical programming languages.
• Experience developing ML or statistical models for imagery exploitation or intelligence workflows.
• Hands-on expertise with ENVI/IDL, ArcGIS, ERDAS, GDAL, or relevant 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 security clearance.

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 the 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Machine learning

Image analysis

Data governance

Leadership

DoD/IC standards

Education

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

Tools

ENVI/IDL

ArcGIS

ERDAS

GDAL

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 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 the 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.

• 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, or advanced image science.

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

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

• Hands-on expertise with common exploitation tools, including 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 security 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 the ability to engage with senior customers.

Global Comp

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.