Senior Research Scientist – Tracking, Detection, and Estimation Theory

Awetomaton, Ltd.; Beavercreek (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days PTO per year

401k company match (up to IRS limits)

Health plan with HSA

Tech and Wellness reimbursement $3,000

Profit sharing

MacBook laptop

Job summary

Awetomaton, Ltd. in Ohio seeks a Senior Research Scientist to advance tracking, detection, and estimation algorithms for imagery and sensor data. This role supports Wright-Patterson AFB customers, with a 6–8 person R&D team and Python software development using modern SDLC practices.

The position requires active Top Secret clearance, a BS or higher in engineering or related field, and 7–10 years of experience. WPAFB-based work with September 2026 start is anticipated.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or related field; 7+ years of signal processing experience.
• 5+ years implementing Kalman or particle filtering.
• 1+ year of Python experience.
• Mastery of software configuration management using Git.

Responsibilities

• Support existing customers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
• Enhance and optimize R&D algorithms to derive insights from raw sensor data.
• Write Python software using modern libraries and software engineering methodologies.
• Communicate effectively with peers and decision makers.

Skills

Python

Kalman filtering

Particle filtering

OPIR image processing

Git

Containerization

Data exploitation

Education

BS in Computer Engineering or related

7+ years signal processing engineering

MS in Computer Science/Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Git

Docker/Podman

Python libraries

Job description

Senior Research Scientist – Tracking, Detection, and Estimation Theory

Beavercreek, OH

Awetomaton is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to support existing customers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. In this role you will work with a team of 6-8 enhancing and optimizing R&D algorithms to derive insights from raw sensor data. You will be applying expertise in imagery science and signal processing to write software in Python using modern libraries and Software Engineering methodologies.

Active Top Secret security clearance required. The ideal candidate will possess a BS degree or higher in engineering or related field with 7-10 years of experience. This position be performed from WPAFB. We are actively considering candidates for a September 2026 start date.

Criteria for success

• Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form with peers & decision makers
• Demonstrate initiative when faced with limited guidance or ambiguousrequirements
• Expertise developing tracking, detection, and estimation algorithms in Python
• Experienced in OPIR image processing and data exploitation
• Familiarity with algorithm deployment concepts including containerization and databases

Required Experience and Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Physics, Math, or Engineering discipline
• Seven (7) years of minimum experience in a signal processing focused engineering career (Electrical Engineering, Computer Visions, etc.)
• Five (5) years of minimum experience implementing Kalman or particlefiltering techniques
• One (1) year of minimum experience working with Bayesianstatistical methods
• One (1) year of minimum Python experience
• Mastery of software configuration management using Git

Desired Education and Experience

• Master of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Engineering discipline
• Expertise developing modular, reusable software via strong Object-Oriented Software development practices
• Experience with Container Technology (Docker / podman / etc.)
• Experience following GitFlow and GitOps workflows using team repository (GitHub / Gitlab / etc.)
• Experience with OPIR data

About Awetomaton

We build software that enables humans to make informed decisions from raw intel data, with a specialization in satellite collection. We are a Dayton-based defense startup that believes there is a critical skill & culture gap - one we are filling with high-output, mission focused engineering talent. Results matter to our customers. We've never lost a customer because we deliver what they need. Awetomaton is where you do work that matters with a passionate team in an environment that inspires your creativity.

We provide industry leading benefits that balance your health & wellbeing today, as well as lay a solid financial future into retirement. Highlights of our benefit plan include:

• Flexible time off totaling 36 days / year. No approvals required.
• 100% 401k company match up to IRS annual limits. This is a benefit of up to $24,500 for 2026.
• Health plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield with Health Savings Account (HSA). We pay 95% of employee premiums including family plans.
• Employee favorite: Tech and Wellness reimbursement of $3000 / year. Treat yourself with the newest gadgets or athletic gear. No approvals required.
• Annual profit sharing as 401k contribution. No set percent and dependent on annual company performance. Benefit is above and beyond 401k match.
• MacBook laptop and well-equipped office spaces for optimal productivity in office and on-the-go.