Imagery Scientist - SAR Expert

Springfield, VA

Job Title: Imagery Scientist - SAR Expert

Location: DMV Area (Delivery location subject to final customer confirmation)

Clearance: Active TS/SCI Required
Polygraph: Must be willing to obtain or currently hold a CI Polygraph

Employment Type: Full-Time

Program Overview

This role supports NGA's Assurance and Governance Office (QA) Accreditation of AI Models (AGAIM) program. The team supports Level 3 AI accreditation by identifying, acquiring, and preparing operational imagery datasets used to validate AI model performance against real-world mission data. Candidates will serve as SAR subject matter experts supporting imagery exploitation, quality assessment, and advanced sensor-informed analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Exploit and analyze SAR imagery to identify Objects of Interest (OOI)

• Support AI model accreditation efforts through operational imagery validation and preparation

• Develop and evaluate SAR-focused algorithms, methodologies, and exploitation workflows

• Assess SAR image quality, metadata, and sensor characteristics

• Utilize Python, MATLAB, SARPy, and related tools for imagery analysis and development

• Apply advanced remote sensing and imagery processing techniques to operational datasets

• Communicate SAR capabilities and limitations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Support solutions informed by sensor phenomenology, platform limitations, and operational mission requirements

Required Skills & Experience
6+ years of experience working with SAR imagery and exploitation
Strong understanding of SAR collection, phenomenology, image formation processes, and exploitation products
Experience with SARPy and MATLAB SAR toolbox
Experience with RNIIS, information theoretic-based image quality metrics, SAR imagery quality metrics, and sensor metadata including graze and squint
Deep understanding of remote sensing principles, imagery processing, and advanced exploitation methods
Experience developing and evaluating SAR-focused solutions using Python, MATLAB, and/or Google Earth Engine
Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to multiple audiences