Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Research Engineer

Riverside Research Institute

$140K — $175K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Computer Engineering, Space Systems, or a related field
  • 8+ years of experience in EO/IR systems engineering, OPIR analysis, or remote sensing
  • Proven experience with OPIR data formats and SBIRS exploitation tools
  • Strong analytical skills for diagnosing sensor performance and data anomalies

Responsibilities

  • Analyze and model infrared and OPIR sensor data, including SBIRS systems
  • Develop and implement advanced data processing algorithms in Python and MATLAB
  • Investigate target phenomenology and create test plans for detection and tracking
  • Evaluate and troubleshoot data processing workflows and software logic issues
  • Support the development of technical documentation and transition plans for new sensor capabilities
  • Collaborate with DoD stakeholders and research organizations to integrate emerging sensing technologies

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Collaborative work environment with government and industry partners
  • Involvement in cutting-edge sensing technology projects
  • Support for advanced technical training and certifications
Full Job Description
Position Overview

Riverside Research is seeking a highly skilled Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Research Engineer to support National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC) mission areas involving infrared sensing, space-based OPIR sensors, sensor modeling, advanced data exploitation, and algorithm development. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in EO/IR systems engineering, infrared phenomenology, OPIR data analysis, and software development for sensor exploitation. This role requires proven experience working with complex sensor systems, developing and testing new analysis capabilities, and collaborating with government, industry, and research partners on next-generation sensing technologies.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct analysis, exploitation, and modeling of infrared and OPIR sensor data, including SBIRS systems.
  • Develop, prototype, and implement advanced data processing algorithms in Python, MATLAB, and other analysis environments.
  • Investigate sensor and target phenomenology and develop test plans, sensor collection scenarios, or experiments to address complex detection and tracking challenges.
  • Evaluate and troubleshoot data processing workflows, identify anomalies or software logic issues, and coordinate remediation strategies.
  • Support development of CONOPS, white papers, technical documentation, and transition plans for emerging sensor capabilities and new processing architectures.
  • Collaborate with research organizations, DoD stakeholders, and external agencies to evaluate and integrate emerging sensing and exploitation technologies.


Qualifications

Required Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Computer Engineering, Space Systems, or related technical field.
  • 8+ years of experience in EO/IR systems engineering, OPIR analysis, remote sensing, or related mission areas.
  • Demonstrated experience with OPIR data formats, processing workflows, or SBIRS exploitation tools
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to diagnose sensor performance, data anomalies, and software logic issues.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience collaborating with NGIC or other intelligence community organizations.
  • Experience developing CONOPS, technical documentation, or training materials.


Global Comp

$140,000- $175,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

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