Research Engineer / Scientist I - Environmental Remote Sensing SAR Specialist

Michigan Technological University; Ann Arbor (MI); Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution seeks a Research Engineer/Scientist I specializing in Environmental Remote Sensing. This dynamic role involves applying cutting-edge remote sensing technologies to address critical governmental and societal challenges. You will engage in diverse research areas, including wildland fire mapping and invasive species assessment, while collaborating on innovative proposals. Ideal candidates will possess a strong foundation in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and geospatial analysis, along with excellent communication skills. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to impactful research and contribute to the advancement of environmental science.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in remote sensing, geospatial technology, or related field required.
• Experience with SAR and geospatial analysis is essential.

Responsibilities

• Participate in research applying SAR remote sensing and geospatial analysis.
• Conduct fieldwork in remote environments and troubleshoot data issues.

Skills

Remote Sensing Theory

Geospatial Analysis

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

Statistical Analysis Software (SAS, R, MATLAB)

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Master’s degree in Remote Sensing or related field

Tools

GIS Software (ESRI, QGIS, GDAL)

Cloud Computing

Job description

Research Engineer / Scientist I - Environmental Remote Sensing SAR Specialist

Summary

The Research Scientist I – Remote Sensing SAR Specialist position provides support for MTRI programs focused on the development and application of remote sensing and geospatial analysis to solve governmental and societal needs through sponsored research. Knowledge of remote sensing theory and an understanding of remote sensing applications for environmental and/or Earth science research is required. The applicant should be experienced with the theory and application of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for environmental research. The applicant will be expected to help develop proposals for remote sensing research projects that apply their knowledge of sensing and image processing to research questions. The applicant will also be expected to conduct fieldwork in remote environments. Examples of current research areas the Remote Sensing Scientist may support include wildland and prescribed fire mapping and effects assessment, Great Lakes aquatic sensing, invasive species mapping, wetlands assessment, wildland fire danger and emissions mapping, processing and analysis of remote sensing data through custom coding and analysis, and improved geotemporal visualization of complex data and patterns. This is an in-person position based at MTRI in Ann Arbor, MI (https://mtu.edu/mtri).

Responsibilities

1. Participate in research projects applying SAR remote sensing, geospatial analysis, earth science knowledge, and analysis skills to solve project tasks for ongoing and new MTRI research projects.
2. Participate as an integral team member on multi-disciplinary research relating to applying technological skills to solving governmental and societal needs for a diverse set of current research areas.
3. Be able to troubleshoot issues encountered in data processing and analysis to ensure scientifically valid data collection.
4. Evaluate, select, and apply the results of data collected and research projects undertaken.
5. Contribute technical expertise in sensing at a primary and co-author level to specific aspects of conference presentations, journal articles, and technical reports.
6. Participate in fieldwork in remote environments, including navigation in remote areas and following data collection protocols.
7. Contribute to competitive proposals including development of specific tasks that use and exploit remote sensing data and products.
8. Assess effectiveness of safety measures and training and implement necessary changes.
9. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Master’s degree or higher in remote sensing, geospatial technology, geography, earth science, ecology, or closely related field.

Required Experience

Desirable Education and/or Experience:

• Experience with statistical analysis software (such as SAS, R, or MATLAB).
• Experience in a remote sensing and/or geospatial research environment.
• Background in the mathematics and physics underlying Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
• Experience with development, management, and documentation of large geospatial and remote sensing datasets.
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques.
• Experience working with large datasets using advanced computational systems (e.g., cloud computing, multi-processor supercomputing).
• Experience with performing fieldwork (e.g., navigating via handheld GPS, following data collection protocols).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance, which requires United States citizenship.
• Knowledge of SAR remote sensing theory for science and/or application.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex ideas through symposia presentations, methods documentation, reports, and publications.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational ability and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in team projects.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to significant matters related to job duties.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Experience in processing hyperspectral imagery such as mixture modeling methods and similar advanced spectral analysis methods.
• Knowledge of geospatial data structures, visualization, and analysis and experience with GIS software (ESRI, QGIS, GDAL).
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Gender neutral bathrooms are available. Employees work in a typical office environment with few physical demands.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

• Employee Safety Overview
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)
1.00

FLSA Status: Exempt

Negotiable, Based on Experience

Title of Position Supervisor: Research Engineer/ Scientist I

Posting Type: Internal and External Posting

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.