Imagery Scientist - Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

Bridge Defense; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Bridge Defense is seeking an Imagery Scientist - Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for full-time positions to support an Intelligence Community partner. The role emphasizes geospatial analysis, image data curation, and ML model evaluation, with first-shift assignments at a sensitive facility.

Candidates should have SAR/ML experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines while coordinating across teams and environments.

Qualifications

• Experience with Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery analytics and multi-INT analysis.
• Strong geospatial skills and ability to apply evolving tech for analytics.
• Excellent written and oral communication under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide geospatial and imagery analysis to improve data curation for ML testing and evaluation.
• Leverage multi-INT, especially SAR, to curate imagery for labeled datasets and model assessment.
• Develop curation strategies and identify data gaps for diverse datasets to support ML evaluation.
• Assist SAR lead in assessing sensor differences versus existing platforms.
• Assess metadata, data formats, schemas, and ETL processes for ingestion and movement of data.

Skills

SAR imagery

Multi-INT analysis

Geospatial analysis

Programming

Scripting

Job description

About Bridge Defense. Bridge Defense is redefining how modern defense technology is delivered. Based in Washington, D.C., we are built for the dynamic mission environment facing the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and federal law enforcement agencies. We provide full-spectrum national security solutions that combine secure infrastructure, cleared talent, and mission-ready software to meet evolving defense challenges. Our services include secure software development in classified environments and the design and implementation of advanced IT and cybersecurity capabilities ranging from secure cloud architectures and enterprise infrastructure to data center operations, scientific analysis, cutting-edge cyber defense, and intelligence analysis.

We are led by technologists and veterans with firsthand mission experience, which enables us to understand both the operational realities and the innovation needed to succeed. Our approach is agile and outcome-based, delivering results in weeks rather than months whenever possible.

At Bridge Defense we value people, integrity, and excellence. We foster an environment where innovation thrives in support of traditional mission requirements. Our team members receive competitive compensation, robust benefits, professional development and certification opportunities, and clear paths for growth while working on the nation's most critical projects.

Core Values

• Innovation & Responsiveness: We push beyond legacy models with efficient, tech-led solutions built to scale and evolve.
• Trusted Performance: Security, compliance, and deep experience in delivering to demanding environments guides all we do.
• Mission Focused Expertise: From veteran leadership to cleared engineers, our people understand both the technology and the mission.

Summary:

Bridge Defense is seeking several Imagery Scientist - Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for full-time salaried positions supporting an Intelligence Community partner. These positions are currently planned for first shift.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Assist the SAR lead in conducting 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.

Required Qualifications, Education, And Experience

• 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.
• Excellent oral, writing, and coordination skills to communicate factual information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, often under pressure and tight deadlines that meets or exceeds established analytical standards.

Desired Qualifications, Education, And Experience

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

The Successful Candidate Will Possess

• Prospective candidates should have strong risk management skills, excellent communication, teamwork, and conflict management skills.
• The candidate must be analytical and effectively able to prioritize needs, requirements, and other issues.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively at all levels of staff and management.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, develop relationships, and obtain consensus among interested parties.
• Critical thinker with strong technical skills, diagnostic skills and problem-solving ability.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills to negotiate direction, drive projects and projects to successful conclusion and deliver knowledge to team members verbally and via clear designs, runbooks and technical engineering and exchange sessions.
• Self-starter, flexible, adaptable, collaborative and motivated to champion continuous improvement.
• Ability to develop peer networks across an enterprise to maintain technology awareness and to support resolution of problems.
• Ability to operate across traditional technical boundaries, comfortable working in the compute space as well as the storage space in an operational capacity.
• Technically curious and driven to learn new skills.

Clearance:

TS/SCI Clearance (with CI Poly, or willingness to sit for CI Poly)

Location:

Alexandria, VA; On-Site

Salary Range:

100K - 155K

General Factors

• Depending on project requirements, may be required to work within a compressed schedule; overtime should be expected when schedules demand it.
• Willing to travel, if needed.
• No Relocation.
• Must be able to sit/stand at a desk for long-periods and must be able to lift 20 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to multi-task and rapidly change priorities with limited notice.

Bridge Defense is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affineative Action employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, national origin or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you are a qualified disabled veteran or individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to use or access our online system, please contact us at 202-436-9222.