Radiometric Calibration Engineer

Trinzic; Sioux Falls (SD); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KBR Benefits

Job summary

KBR’s Science and Space Division seeks a Radiometric Calibration Engineer to support the USGS ECCOE Landsat Cal/Val activities. The engineer will perform sensor radiometric characterization and calibration for Landsat 1–9 and other Earth observing systems, providing expertise across data analysis, quality assessments, and method development in a hybrid remote/onsite role based in Sioux Falls, SD.

Responsibilities include monitoring radiometric characteristics, updating calibration parameter

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Remote Sensing, or Satellite Systems.
• 5+ years related experience in an engineering role preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor radiometric characteristics of Landsat data and ensure continual calibration.
• Update, test, and distribute Calibration Parameter Files (CPFs) for Landsat missions.
• Analyze remotely sensed data for radiometric performance and report quality findings.
• Develop and refine methods to improve data characterization and radiometric performance.
• Write and publish technical documentation and participate in peer reviews.

Skills

Matlab

IDL

Python

C/C++

Image processing

Linux

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Remote Sensing, or Satellite Systems

Job description

Title

Radiometric Calibration Engineer

At KBR, we deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 37,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 85 countries and operations in over 28 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long-term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results.

Trinzic is the future independent company to be created through the planned spin‑off of KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business, expected in January 2027. Our people work at the frontier of what is possible, delivering solutions in challenging environments and advancing some of the world's highest‑priority national security and space missions.

Backed by decades of mission success, deep expertise, and trusted partnerships, Trinzic will launch as a global organization with more than 18,000 employees supporting customers around the world. Join us at a defining moment and help shape the future of a company built to tackle complex challenges and make a meaningful impact.

Candidates who join KBR's Mission Technology Solutions business before the spin‑off will transition to Trinzic when the separation is complete and will not need to reapply for employment.

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.

Position Summary

KBR’s Science and Space Division is seeking a Radiometric Calibration Engineer to support the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center’s EROS Calibration/Validation Center of Excellence (ECCOE) project. The Radiometric Calibration Engineer for Landsat Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) activities is responsible for executing the Sensor Radiometric Characterization and Calibration of the Landsat 1–9 satellites and additional Earth‑observing systems. This position provides radiometric expertise through sensor characterization, calibration, data analysis, quality assessments, and methods development.

Title: Radiometric Calibration Engineer

Responsibilities

• Ensure the radiometric characteristics of Landsat data are continually monitored, measured, and calibrated
• Ensure that the Image Assessment System (IAS) database is correctly updated to support calibration activities
• Update, test, and distribute quarterly Calibration Parameter Files (CPFs) for active Landsat missions as well as historical missions, as needed
• Analyze remotely sensed data for radiometric performance
• Report on the quality of Landsat and other remote sensing data as required
• Participate in status/planning meetings with Landsat Project Management
• Provide radiometric data quality expertise to Landsat Project anomaly resolution teams
• Develop and refine methods to improve data characterization and radiometric performance results, including supporting technical documentation
• Develop tools and algorithms to assist in Landsat data and instrument calibration, including supporting technical documentation
• Write and publish white papers and peer‑reviewed publications
• Present analysis results at professional conferences and workshops.
• Participate in peer reviews
• Perform characterization of non‑Landsat systems in support of interoperability activities
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Landsat Cal/Val Team Lead
• Some travel required for conferences/workshops

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Remote Sensing, or Satellite Systems
• Minimum of 5 years related experience in an engineering role preferred but not required

Required Skills

• Programming skills in Matlab, IDL, Python, C, or C++
• Knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum, detector operability, system noise analysis, radiometric procedures, remote sensing, and statistical analysis fundamentals
• Knowledge of image/signal processing
• Ability to develop and modify algorithms for radiometric processing software
• Experience in database querying, trending, and analysis
• Experience with LINUX/UNIX
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to handle complex multitask environments
• Ability to think independently

Areas Of Desired Experience & Skills

• Data processing in the cloud

Work Location

This position supports a team anchored in Sioux Falls, SD, and is offered in a hybrid remote/onsite work environment. Fully remote work will be considered for the right candidate.

Additional Information

Three years of continuous residency in the US for issuance of a Government Security credential is required.

The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a national agency check and background investigation after hire to obtain a badge for facility access and user accounts.

KBR partners with several other companies to fulfill its requirements as a government contractor. The selected subcontracting companies align their benefits as closely as possible to those of KBR.

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.

Click here to learn more: KBR Benefits | KBR

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 of 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.

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