Imagery Scientist (SAR)

Leidos LLC; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos in Alexandria, VA is seeking an Expert Level Imagery Scientist (SAR) to lead geospatial analysis and data curation for ML model testing. You will guide SAR data preparation, assess sensor differences, and ensure imagery meets quality and security standards required by government programs.

The role requires a deep understanding of remote sensing, SAR processing tools, and multi-INT capabilities, with a focus on automation using Python and MATLAB.

Qualifications

• 6+ years as a SAR expert with understanding of collection, phenomenology, image formation and exploitation products.
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field; additional experience in lieu of degree.
• Experience with SAR imagery quality metrics and sensor metadata impacts.
• Experience with SAR processing tools and multi-INT analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assess sensor characteristics vs. current platforms and data formats.
• Determine data acquisition, latency, formats, and security domains for ETL.
• Pre-process and standardize data for labeling and model testing.
• Curate SAR imagery for ML model evaluation and accreditation.
• Develop and evaluate new algorithms using SAR imagery and ML techniques.

Skills

SAR expert

MATLAB

Python

Geospatial analysis

Multi-INT

Clearance TS/SCI

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

SARPY

MATLAB

Google Earth Engine

Python

Job description

Leidos has an exciting opportunity for an Expert Level Imagery Scientist (SAR) - to join our team in Alexandria, VA. The SAR Geospatial Analyst shall provide geospatial and imagery expertise and quantitative analysis to make recommendations that improve data curation and development in support of Machine Learning algorithm testing and evaluation. The Imagery Scientist is the subject matter expert on their respective imagery modality (e.g., Synthetic Aperture Radar). They shall provide technical direction and conduct the work necessary to acquire and prepare imagery of the necessary quality, standards, and requirements provided by the Government. Developed solutions should be informed by specific phenomenology limitations and advantages of the sensors and platforms in mind.

Primary 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 regards 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 platfoms) that align with areas of emerging sensor's collection.
• Determine other platforms with similar geographic and temporal coverage.
• Leverage multi-INT data, with an emphasis on SAR, to curate imagery from the emergent sensors. Curated imagery will be prioritized for creation of labeled data to support the model evaluation and accreditation.
• Curated imagery should have objects of interest or needed characteristics (e.g., geographic coverage, scene attributes) per Government prioritization.
• Based on the characteristics and limitations of the emergent sensor, recommend curation strategies and identify data gaps to develop a diverse, representative dataset for Machine Learning model evaluation
• 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

Basic Qualifications

• 6+ years as a SAR expert with understanding of collection, phenomenology, image formation process, and exploitation products.
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field.
• Additional years of experience can be considered in lieu of degree
• Exhibit experience using SARPY and Matlab SAR toolbox
• Experience in RNIIRS, information theoretic-based image quality metrics, SAR imagery quality metrics (e.g., Integrated Sidelobe Ratio, Multiplicative Noise Ratio), and sensor metadata describing impacts of geometry on phenomenology (e.g., graze, squint, azimuth)
• Exhibit experience exploiting SAR to determine the occurrence and location of objects of interest
• Exhibit 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 experience communicating with a variety of technical and non-technical audiences on availability and capabilities of SAR imagery products, methodologies, procedures, and algorithms to enhance analysis.
• Exhibit a deep understanding of the principles of remote sensing and imagery processing and advanced exploitation methods
• Experience with Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery analytical products and conducting multi-INT analysis
• Utilize structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data and visualization tools to exploit data through use of programming and scripting, including advanced geospatial skills and an excellent understanding of how to apply evolving technology and methodologies to related issues
• Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to be approved for a Poly

Preferred Qualifications

• Exhibit experience applying CV and machine learning (ML) techniques to SAR imagery and data to address intelligence problems

Original Posting

September 23, 2026 For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00 The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

Leidos Leidos Is an Industry and Technology Leader

Leidos Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.