Senior Scientist

Grvty; Herndon (VA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

GRVTY is seeking a Senior Scientist to advance OPIR/EO-IR sensing research, algorithm development, and analytics for national security missions at a client site in Herndon, Virginia. You will work with engineers, data scientists, and analysts to apply physics-based models and image science methods to complex sensor data.

The role emphasizes autonomy, deep OPIR knowledge, and the ability to deliver rigorous, reproducible results.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance with SCI/CI polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 5+ years OPIR experience, EO/IR phenomenology or sensor performance.
• Experience with image processing and digital signal processing tools for IR data.
• Experience applying algorithms for target detection and background suppression.
• Familiarity with multi-data stream ingest and TCPED process.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D of advanced algorithms for OPIR/EO-IR remote sensing; detect, track, locate, and characterize targets.
• Design and evaluate algorithms for sensor performance; model noise, calibrate radiometry, analyze sensitivity.
• Analyze optical signature data to extract phenomenology and generate insights.
• Conduct multi-platform remote sensing analytics across varied sensors and data streams.
• Support the full TCPED process from tasking to exploitation and dissemination.
• Review and validate analytic products for technical accuracy and relevance; identify gaps.
• Maintain detailed reproducible analysis logs of workflows and results.
• Respond to real-time EO/IR requests and adapt to priorities.
• Test and evaluate new algorithms and tools; contribute to trade studies.

Skills

OPIR experience

Image processing

DSP tools

Technical briefing

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field

Master's degree (nice to have)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

IDL

C/C++

Job description

GRVTY is looking for a Senior Scientist to support research, algorithm development, and advanced analytics for overhead persistent infrared and electro-optical/infrared sensing systems. This is a technically demanding role centered on OPIR phenomenology, optical signature characterization, and sensor performance analysis in direct support of national security missions at a Customer site in Herndon, Virginia.

You will work alongside algorithm engineers, data scientists, and intelligence analysts to develop and apply physics-based models, image science methods, and multi-platform remote sensing analytics. The work is fast-paced and mission-driven — requirements shift, collection windows are finite, and the analysis you produce informs real decisions. We are looking for someone who has done this work before, can operate with autonomy, and brings enough depth in OPIR to hit the ground running.

What You'll be Owning

• Lead research and development of advanced algorithms for OPIR and EO/IR remote sensing systems, with emphasis on target detection, tracking, location, and characterization.
• Design, implement, and evaluate algorithms for EO/IR sensor and camera system performance — including noise modeling, radiometric calibration, and sensitivity analysis.
• Analyze optical signature data to extract target phenomenology, characterize signatures, and generate technically rigorous intelligence insights.
• Conduct multi-platform remote sensing analytics across varied sensors, collection geometries, and data streams.
• Support the full TCPED process for OPIR — from tasking and collection planning through exploitation and dissemination.
• Review and validate analytic products for technical accuracy and mission relevance; identify gaps and recommend improvements.
• Maintain detailed, reproducible analysis logs documenting workflows, assumptions, methodologies, and results.
• Respond to real-time EO/IR analysis requests and adapt quickly to evolving mission priorities.
• Test and evaluate emerging algorithms, exploitation tools, and analytic platforms; contribute to trade studies and capability assessments.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, findings, and written reports to customer and program stakeholders.
• Mentor junior analysts; contribute to analytic standards and methodology development across the team.

What You Must Have

• Active Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain SCI and CI polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on OPIR experience, with demonstrated work in EO/IR phenomenology, optical signature analysis, or sensor performance assessment.
• Experience with image processing and digital signal processing tools for short-wave and mid-wave infrared data.
• Experience applying algorithms for target detection and background suppression in OPIR or EO/IR contexts.
• Familiarity with multi-data stream ingest and analysis techniques.
• Working knowledge of the TCPED process as applied to OPIR collection and exploitation.
• Strong documentation and communication skills — you will be writing technical reports and briefing customers, not just doing the analysis.
• Able to work independently and manage priorities without significant hand-holding.

What Would be Nice to Have

• Master's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Direct experience with optical signature modeling and EO/IR phenomenology characterization.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, IDL, or C/C++ for algorithm development or data analysis.
• Experience with geospatial and exploitation tools such as ArcGIS, Google Earth, Opticks, or Palette.
• Background in radiometric calibration, sensor noise modeling, or end-to-end sensor performance modeling.
• Experience supporting collection planning and requirements definition for remote sensing systems.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-enhanced analytics as applied to remote sensing or signature exploitation.
• Prior experience in a defense or intelligence community environment supporting classified programs.

Pay Range:At GRVTY, we understand that compensation is influenced by many factors—such as geographic location, federal contract labor categories, wage rates, prior experience, skillsets, education, and certifications.We’re proud to offer a work environment that empowers our team to achieve a strong work-life balance. GRVTY provides competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth.Our benefits package is designed to support the well-being of our employees and their families, and includes coverage in areas such as healthcare, financial wellness, retirement planning, family assistance, continued education, and paid time off.

• The pay range for this position is: $150,000 - $235,000