Science Manager – Biophysical Modeling (Satellite & EO)

Hydrosat; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 136,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Meal vouchers

Relocation bonus

Hybrid work model

EU visa sponsorship

Job summary

Hydrosat in Luxembourg seeks a Science Manager – Biophysical Modeling to lead a team of scientists focused on crop development, evapotranspiration, and plant–water interactions using thermal infrared and multispectral satellite data. You will guide modeling of land-surface processes and ensure robust, scalable outputs that support customer solutions and research impact.

The role includes relocation support, EU visa sponsorship where required, and engagement with cross‑functional teams across ML,

Qualifications

• Master’s in environmental science, agronomy, physics, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in Earth Observation, remote sensing, or environmental modeling.
• 2+ years in a technical leadership role, managing scientific or engineering teams.
• Hands‑on experience with geospatial and EO data processing (GDAL, Rasterio, etc.).
• Strong programming skills in Python or similar languages.
• Experience collaborating with software and data engineering teams.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists developing models for crop water stress, evapotranspiration, and land-surface processes.
• Drive scientific innovation in biophysical modeling and data fusion methods.
• Design and validate algorithms for thermal data analysis and vegetation stress monitoring.
• Collaborate with ML, engineering, and product teams to integrate scientific models into production systems.
• Review and approve scientific methodologies, architecture, and design decisions.
• Define team objectives and track progress toward key results.
• Mentor and coach team members to develop technical and leadership skills.
• Contribute to research proposals, publications, and conference presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Python

Data interpretation

Project management

Communication

Education

Master's in environmental science or related field

PhD (nice to have)

Tools

GDAL

Rasterio

Job description

Hydrosat is a space and data analytics company building a new Earth Observation constellation and software to unlock the power of thermal infrared imagery. Our mission is to capture and deliver high spatio-temporal resolution thermal infrared data, currently not available from other sources, to provide insights that benefit the environment, enhance food and water security, and serve other critical applications. Our downstream applications team in Luxembourg combines best-in-class remote sensing, machine learning, and cutting-edge fusion approaches to thermal imagery to deliver innovative and scalable solutions to the agri-food industry.

We are looking for bright, creative, and ambitious people who can work in a dynamic and collaborative start-up environment. Hydrosat is determined to change the way people use space imagery and revolutionize agriculture. Join us on this mission and help transform the world.

As Science Manager – Biophysical Modeling, you will lead a team of scientists focused on modeling crop development, evapotranspiration, and plant-water interactions using thermal infrared and multispectral satellite data. You’ll drive innovation in surface energy balance modeling, vegetation stress indices, and data fusion methods. Your leadership will ensure that Hydrosat’s scientific outputs are robust, scalable, and aligned with business and mission objectives.

Posted in the U.S. to reach top thermal remote sensing talent. This role is based in Luxembourg, in the heart of the EU, and includes relocation support and EU visa sponsorship. Compensation follows the Luxembourg market, so the salary band isn't advertised here. We share it with every candidate in the first conversation.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists developing models for crop water stress, evapotranspiration, and other land-surface processes.


• Drive scientific innovation in biophysical modeling, ensuring high-quality, reproducible outputs.


• Design and validate algorithms for thermal data analysis and vegetation stress monitoring.


• Collaborate with ML, engineering, and product teams to integrate scientific models into production systems.


• Review and approve scientific methodologies, architecture, and design decisions.


• Define team objectives and track progress toward key results.


• Mentor and coach team members to develop technical and leadership skills.


• Contribute to research proposals, publications, and conference presentations.


• Support the hiring and onboarding of new scientific talent.

Job requirements

• Master’s in environmental science, agronomy, physics, or related field.


• 10+ years of experience in Earth Observation, remote sensing, or environmental modeling.


• 2+ years in a technical leadership role, managing scientific or engineering teams.


• Hands‑on experience with geospatial and EO data processing (GDAL, Rasterio, etc.).


• Solid understanding of land surface modeling, soil–plant–atmosphere interactions, and vegetation indices.


• Strong programming skills in Python or similar languages.


• Experience collaborating with software and data engineering teams.


• Excellent communication and organizational skills.


• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).

Nice to have

• PhD in environmental science, agronomy, physics, or related field.


• Experience with cloud-based environments.


• Proven track record of peer‑reviewed publications or applied research.


• Familiarity with thermal infrared data.


• Competitive compensation package


• Stock options to share in Hydrosat’s long‑term success


• Fast‑moving, mission‑driven startup environment with real ownership


• Hybrid work model with flexibility


• EU visa sponsorship available when required


• Attractive Luxembourg tax advantages for relocators + relocation bonus


• Meal vouchers included


• Living and working in Luxembourg - explainer for newcomers


• International Schooling, Transport, Quality of Life