Senior Spectral Scientist/ Modeling Lead

Riverside Research Institute; Beavercreek (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverside Research Institute seeks a Senior Spectral Scientist to lead development, validation, and sustainment of EO/IR spectral models for national security customers. Located in Beavercreek, OH, the role requires deep expertise in spectral modeling, radiometry, and atmospheric correction, with a TS clearance eligible for SCI/SAP.

The candidate will mentor modeling teams, translate datasets into physics-based models, and present findings to stakeholders while ensuring interoperability with

Qualifications

• 8+ years in EO/IR spectral modeling or hyperspectral analysis with a relevant PhD or equivalent experience.
• Experience implementing and validating atmospheric correction models.
• Strong programming skills in Python and MATLAB.
• Experience validating physical models with laboratory or remote sensing data.
• Excellent problem-solving and the ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• U.S. Citizenship with an active Top Secret clearance with SCI/SAP eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, validation, and sustainment of spectral signature models including EO/IR radiometric algorithms.
• Translate materials characterization datasets into physics-based models.
• Oversee development and integration of environmental correction models.
• Lead improvements to space weathering models incorporating material degradation physics.
• Validate models using laboratory measurements and synthetic test environments.
• Ensure interoperability between spectral models and spectral model databases.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to modeling teams.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to government and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Scientific programming

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in Physics

Ph.D. in Optical Sciences

Applied Mathematics

Tools

Atmospheric correction tools

Job description

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems. All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.

Position Overview

Riverside Research is seeking a Senior Spectral Scientist with experience in Optical & Infrared Spectral Modeling to lead development, sustainment, and validation of EO/IR spectral signature models for Department of War and Intelligence Community customers.

This position is located in Beavercreek, OH.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, validation, and sustainment of spectral signature models including EO/IR radiometric algorithms.
• Translate materials characterization datasets into physics-based models.
• Oversee development and integration of environmental correction models.
• Lead improvements to space weathering models incorporating material degradation physics.
• Validate models using laboratory measurements and synthetic test environments.
• Ensure interoperability between spectral models and spectral model databases.
• Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to modeling teams.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to government and internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required

• At least 8 years of experience in EO/IR spectral modeling, radiometry, or hyperspectral exploitation with a Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Sciences, Applied Mathematics, or similar field or equivalent work experience.
• Experience implementing and validating atmospheric correction models.
• Strong scientific programming skills (Python, MATLAB).
• Experience validating physical models using laboratory or remote sensing data.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• U.S. Citizen with an active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain SCI/SAP.

Desired

• Experience with material spectral signature generation or degradation modeling.
• Experience with uncertainty quantification or numerical optimization.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary research environment.

Global Comp

$120,000 - $200,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside Research Institute is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.