Sensor Data Scientist — Image Processing & ML

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) seeks a scientist to advance remote sensing, data science, image and signal processing, and machine learning. The role spans Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 levels, with additional responsibilities at the higher level.

Successful candidates will contribute to algorithm development, data analysis, and sensor system optimization, collaborating across disciplines while meeting DOE clearance requirements.

Qualifications

• Background in engineering, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, data science, or related technical field.
• Experience conducting basic or applied research, engineering development, or technical analysis relevant to sensing, imaging, signal processing, scientific computing, machine learning, or sensor data analysis.
• Working knowledge of image processing, signal processing, statistical analysis, numerical methods, machine learning, or related data-analysis techniques.
• Experience using scientific programming tools or languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, Julia, IDL, or similar.
• Ability to leverage modern AI/agentic systems to accelerate scientific research, software development, data analysis, or engineering workflows.
• Familiarity with one or more types of sensor or measurement systems (cameras, RF, optical, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Clear written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance, which generally requires U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Developing algorithms for processing, analyzing, and interpreting image, spectral, time-series, RF, optical, or other sensor data.
• Applying statistical, mathematical, machine-learning, AI, or physics-informed methods to detection, estimation, characterization, and inference problems.
• Supporting source-to-sensor modeling, including source behavior, propagation, sensor response, and measurement uncertainty.
• Analyzing experimental or field-collected data and comparing results with theoretical, simulated, or modeled expectations.
• Contributing to the design, characterization, calibration, and optimization of sensing systems and instruments.
• Participating in laboratory, field, or deployment activities to collect and evaluate remote-sensing data.
• Communicating technical results through reports, presentations, publications, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Support field experiments at national and, as needed, international locations.

Skills

Image processing

Signal processing

Machine learning

Statistics

Numerical methods

Data science

Interdisciplinary teamwork

DOE Q clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Julia

IDL

OpenCV

NumPy/SciPy

Job description

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) seeks a scientist to advance remote sensing, data science, image and signal processing, and machine learning. The role spans Scientist 2 or Scientist 3 levels, with additional responsibilities at the higher level.

Successful candidates will contribute to algorithm development, data analysis, and sensor system optimization, collaborating across disciplines while meeting DOE clearance requirements.