Image Processing Engineer

KBR; Sioux Falls (SD); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR is seeking an Image Processing Engineer to join the team at the EROS Center in Sioux Falls, SD. The role focuses on developing high-performance image processing software for Landsat data, with strong emphasis on C programming and Python support, in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in a technical field and 7+ years of software engineering experience, including Linux/Unix, databases, and cloud experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in a technical discipline (CS/SE/CE/Math/Physics)
• 7+ years of professional software engineering experience
• Experience in C in Linux/Unix environments
• Experience with data-intensive processing and cloud computing
• Experience interfacing with relational databases

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain image-processing software components
• Develop software primarily in C, with Python support
• Optimize algorithms to reduce runtime and increase throughput
• Develop applications that write to and query relational databases
• Process large volumes of satellite imagery and distribute products
• Contribute to cloud-based image-processing architectures and workflows
• Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and technical discussions
• Collaborate with Systems Engineers, Software Engineers, Scientists, and stakeholders

Skills

C programming

Python

Relational databases

Linux/Unix

Git version control

Performance optimization

Software development lifecycle

Analytical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Software Engineering / Computer Engineering

Tools

Postgres

AWS cloud services

Job description

Image Processing Engineer – BELONG. CONNECT. GROW. with KBR.

Around here, we define the future. We are a company of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers. But we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely. Join us at the Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center and help shape the future of Earth science data systems. As part of our mission-driven team, you’ll contribute to projects that make a global impact, supporting research, innovation, and technology that empower scientists and decision-makers worldwide.

KBR is seeking an Image Processing Engineer in Sioux Falls, SD, to support the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. This is a full-time, onsite position requiring consistent, in-person collaboration with team members, scientists, and mission partners.

In partnership with NASA and the Landsat project, this position supports Landsat product generation, which processes satellite imagery used by scientists, researchers, government agencies, and organizations around the world. You will develop and optimize high-performance image processing applications that support operational satellite data processing and future Earth observation initiatives.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Contribute to meaningful, mission-critical Earth science initiatives
• Develop software supporting one of the world’s longest-running satellite programs
• Work alongside experienced engineers and scientists who value innovation
• Apply advanced software engineering techniques to large-scale image processing systems
• Solve complex performance and scalability challenges
• Work with modern cloud technologies and scientific data-processing platforms

Core Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain image-processing software components
• Develop software primarily in C, with supporting development in Python
• Optimize algorithms and processing workflows to reduce runtime and improve processing throughput
• Design and maintain applications that write to and query relational databases
• Develop solutions that ingest, process, and distribute large volumes of satellite imagery and derived products
• Support cloud-based image-processing architectures and workflows
• Perform software planning, requirements refinement, and technical design activities
• Develop, execute, and document unit and integration tests
• Troubleshoot operational processing issues and implement corrective actions
• Participate in code reviews, design reviews, and technical discussions
• Collaborate closely with Systems Engineers, Software Engineers, Scientists, and mission stakeholders

Education & Skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

Experience: Seven or more years of professional software engineering experience; experience developing software in C within Linux/Unix environments; experience working with data-intensive processing systems; experience supporting cloud computing environments; experience interfacing with relational database systems.

Required Skills

• Strong proficiency in C programming
• Working knowledge of Python
• Experience writing software that interfaces with databases
• Relational database experience
• Linux/Unix expertise
• Experience improving software performance and decreasing processing runtime
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle practicesExperience with Git-based source control management
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a highly skilled technical team

Desired Skills

• Digital image processing experience
• Remote sensing or Earth observation experience
• Scientific computing experience
• Cloud-native processing architectures - AWS cloud services experience
• Postgres database experience
• Satellite ground-system experience
• Mathematics, physics, or related scientific background
• Experience with AI-assisted software development and documentation tools

Special Requirements

Three years of continuous residency in the United States for issuance of a Government Security credential. Ability to obtain and maintain a national agency check and background investigation for facility access. Experience and/or Education in lieu of these qualifications will be reviewed for applicability to meet these requirements.

KBR Benefits:

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Values

• We Value Our People – We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential.
• We Deliver – We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high-quality, technology-led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders.
• We Are People of Integrity – We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity.
• We Empower – We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision-makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed.
• We Are a Team of Teams – We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments.

We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function. Not only are we committed to operating safely, sustainably and equitably, but we are also committed to using our capabilities and expertise to help our customers accomplish their sustainability goals.

Worldwide, KBR employs a diverse workforce approximately 29,000 people strong, with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. At KBR, We Deliver.

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