Senior GEOINT Data Scientist & Exploitation Lead

Riverside Research; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Research seeks an Expert Exploitation Scientist/Data Scientist to lead GEOINT exploitation capabilities in Falls Church, VA. The role combines sensor phenomenology, data science, and exploitation tradecraft to guide multi-sensor workflows and advanced analytic methods.

You will mentor junior staff, collaborate with government partners, and contribute to DoD and IC missions through rigorous analytics and reproducible data pipelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Data Science, Remote Sensing, Image Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in GEOINT exploitation, analytic modeling, or advanced image science.
• Strong proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical languages.
• Experience developing machine learning or statistical models for imagery exploitation or intelligence workflows.
• Hands-on expertise with common exploitation tools (ENVI/IDL, ArcGIS, ERDAS, GDAL).

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-sensor exploitation efforts across EO, IR, SAR, multispectral, and specialized collections.
• Develop advanced analytic algorithms and models for detection, classification, change analysis, and data fusion.
• Apply data science methodologies including statistical modeling, machine learning, and automation.
• Perform deep-dive image science analyses, sensor performance evaluations, and phenomenology-driven characterization.
• Design and refine data workflows, ensuring reproducible processing, metadata consistency, and data governance.
• Integrate ML/AI capabilities into exploitation pipelines, coordinating with engineering, R&D, and mission partners.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, analytical reports, and capability demonstrations to senior customers.
• Lead development of SOPs, analytic standards, and documentation for multi-mission exploitation operations.
• Provide mentorship to analysts, data scientists, and junior staff.
• Coordinate with collection managers and system developers to optimize tasking strategies.
• Ensure timely delivery of mission-critical GEOINT products.

Skills

GEOINT exploitation

Python

Machine learning

Image analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Data Science/Remote Sensing/ Image Science/ Physics/ Electrical Engineering

Tools

ENVI/IDL

ArcGIS

ERDAS

GDAL

Job description

Riverside Research seeks an Expert Exploitation Scientist/Data Scientist to lead GEOINT exploitation capabilities in Falls Church, VA. The role combines sensor phenomenology, data science, and exploitation tradecraft to guide multi-sensor workflows and advanced analytic methods.

You will mentor junior staff, collaborate with government partners, and contribute to DoD and IC missions through rigorous analytics and reproducible data pipelines.