Hyperspectral Image Scientist

Employer description

Leidos is actively interviewing for a Senior Hyperspectral Image Scientist to join our team in Springfield, VA.

Job Summary

Senior technical position responsible for leading the analysis, exploitation, and interpretation of hyperspectral and multispectral imagery in support of government missions. The Senior Hyperspectral Image Scientist will provide subject matter expertise in spectral data processing, algorithm development, image exploitation, and applied remote sensing science. This position requires on-site support at a government facility and close collaboration with analysts, engineers, program managers, and mission stakeholders.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead the development, evaluation, and application of hyperspectral image analysis methodologies.

Perform exploitation of hyperspectral, multispectral, and related geospatial datasets to identify, classify, and characterize materials, objects, and activities of interest.

Develop, refine, and validate spectral-based algorithms for detection, unmixing, anomaly detection, change detection, target identification, and material classification.

Conduct preprocessing and calibration workflows, including radiometric correction, atmospheric correction, and geometric correction.

Build and maintain spectral libraries and support signature analysis, endmember extraction, and spectral matching.

Integrate hyperspectral analytics with other GEOINT, remote sensing, and intelligence data sources.

Prepare technical reports, briefings, white papers, and documentation for government stakeholders.

Advise leadership and mission teams on capabilities, limitations, and best practices related to hyperspectral sensing and exploitation.

Required Technical Skills

Hyperspectral and multispectral image exploitation

Spectral signature analysis and spectral library development

Material identification and classification

Sub-pixel analysis and spectral unmixing

Anomaly detection and change detection

Radiometric, atmospheric, and geometric correction

Algorithm development and validation

Python, MATLAB, ENVI/IDL, GIS, and scientific scripting

Data visualization and technical reporting

Work Environment

Work will be performed primarily on-site at a government facility.

Limited travel may be required based on program needs.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Remote Sensing, Imaging Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Geospatial Science, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

Minimum of 8–12 years of relevant professional experience in hyperspectral image analysis, spectral science, remote sensing, or related technical disciplines.

Demonstrated experience with hyperspectral and multispectral imagery exploitation in government, defense, intelligence, or applied research environments.

Strong knowledge of spectral phenomenology, imaging spectroscopy, and remote sensing principles.

Experience with image processing and scientific analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, ENVI/IDL, ArcGIS, or equivalent platforms.

Experience developing and implementing algorithms for spectral detection, classification, target recognition, or anomaly detection.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Active TS/SCI clearance with ability to be approved for a Poly

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.

Experience supporting DoD, IC, NGA, NGA-related, or other federal mission environments.

Familiarity with sensor calibration, atmospheric modeling, physics-based exploitation, and sensor phenomenology.

Experience with machine learning or artificial intelligence methods applied to hyperspectral data.

Experience working with large-scale datasets, cloud-based analytics, or high-performance computing environments.

Knowledge of geospatial data standards, data fusion, and operational tasking workflows.

#GEOINTMISSION

 #NSBA

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:May 20, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.