Remote Sensing SAR Specialist and Developer (GS26100926)

Global Science & Technology Inc; College Park (MD); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave & retirement benefits

Tuition assistance & professional dev.

Work-life programs

Job summary

Global Science & Technology, Inc. seeks a Remote Sensing SAR Specialist and Developer to join a team of SAR scientists and software developers in College Park, MD. The role focuses on developing flood mapping datasets from multiple SAR sensors and advancing inundation detection algorithms.

The position requires a PhD or MS with ≥5 years in remote sensing/oceanography/physics/mathematics, strong Python/IDL skills, and experience with SAR data formats. A hybrid onsite/telework model is possible.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with ≥5 years in a quantitative field (Remote Sensing/Oceanography/Physics/Math/Statistics)
• Proficiency in SAR remote sensing, satellite/oceanographic data, systems and analyses.
• Proficiency with Python and IDL.
• Experience with ML using PyTorch or TensorFlow is desired but not required.
• Experience with data formats used in remote sensing: netCDF4, HDF5, GeoTIFF, Xarray, Zarr.
• Experience with Linux and common tools.
• Demonstrated deliverables (papers, software, products).
• Willingness to conduct independent research while collaborating in a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain science code for flood mapping from SAR sensors (Sentinel-1, RADARSAT, NISAR).
• Develop, implement, and improve flood inundation detection algorithms and evaluate performance.
• Collaborate with SAR scientists and software developers in SOCD under NOAA STAR.
• Additional duties include river ice studies, oil slick detection, and coastal/ocean applications.

Skills

SAR remote sensing

Python

IDL

Machine learning (PyTorch/TF)

Linux

Publications/deliverables

Independent research

Analytical skills

Education

MS/PhD in Remote Sensing/Physics/Math

Tools

Python

IDL

PyTorch

TensorFlow

netCDF4

HDF5

GeoTIFF

Xarray

Zarr

Linux

Job description

Global Science & Technology, LLC (GST), a growing scientific and high technology company, is seeking aRemote Sensing SAR Specialist and Developer tosupport NOAA/NESDIS/STAR.

This position is located in College Park, MD.A hybrid model of onsite and telework each week may also be considered.

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will work with a group of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) scientists and software developers at the Satellite Oceanography and Climatology Division (SOCD) under the NOAA Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR). This position could be long-term depending on performance and Federal Government Funding.

Primary Duties:

• The individual in this position will be responsible for the development and maintenance of science code for production of flood mapping datasets from multiple SAR sensors (e.g., Sentinel-1, RADARSAT Constellation Mission, RADARSAT-2, and NISAR).
• Development, implementation, and improvement of flood inundation detection algorithms, and evaluation of their performance.
• This is a scientific position that requires a strong understanding of physical science, mathematics, and scientific computing.
• Additional duties may include:
  • Classification studies of river ice, i.e., detecting ice jams, tracking ice movement and breakup, and assessment of flooding risk.
  • Utilizing SAR imagery to identify, outline, and characterize suspected oil slicks.
  • Assisting with additional coastal, ocean, and cryosphere applications of SAR.

Required Education/Experience/Skills:

• PhD or MS, with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience, in a quantitative field of research such as Remote Sensing, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, or Statistics.
• Knowledge of SAR remote sensing, satellite & oceanographic data, systems, and analyses.
• Proficiency with Python and IDL programming languages.
• Experience with application of machine learning algorithms using PyTorch or TensorFlow is desired, however, a working knowledge of machine learning techniques will suffice.
• Experience with data formats frequently used by the remote sensing community such as netCDF4, HDF5, GeoTIFF, Xarray, and Zarr.
• Experience with Linux operating systems and common tools.
• Proven list of deliverables (peer-reviewed publications, derived products, software packages, etc.).
• Willingness and ability to conduct independent research (problem definition, technical solution, coding, publication) while being a team player.
• Strong scientific analytical skills with detail-oriented working style.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government background investigation.

Compensation

At GST, we celebrate your contributions. We will provide you with opportunities and choices and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care for full-time employees working 30-plus hours per week. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance.

Salary at GST is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $90,000 to $120,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range or this position and is just one component of the GST total compensation package for employees.

Identity Statement

As part of the application process, you are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Work Definitions:

If this position is listed as remote or hybrid, you'll periodically work from a company or client site facility.

• If this position is listed as onsite, you'll work at the client site - in person, or as needed for the specific role.

Please note, effective 5/7/2025, that as part of the onboarding process for this position, individuals undergoing identity verification for new PIV card issuance, must present a REAL ID compliant form of identification or an equivalent acceptable form.

GST is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class.

GST provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act.