Senior SAR Imagery Scientist (AI/ML Validation) | TS/SCI

Xcellent Technology

$120K — $150K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with a willingness to undergo a CI Polygraph exam
  • 10+ years of relevant experience or related educational qualifications (Master's/Bachelor's/Associate's with varying years of experience)
  • 4+ years of experience in SAR exploitation with knowledge of collection processes and methodologies
  • Ability to conduct evaluation and validation for SAR analytic outputs
  • Proficient in analytic tools like Python or MATLAB
  • Strong grasp of remote sensing principles and GEOINT tradecraft
  • Experience in spatial analysis and geospatial datasets

Responsibilities

  • Evaluate and validate AI and ML models against SAR imagery
  • Conduct detailed imagery analysis to ensure mission-ready performance
  • Support the refinement of analytic workflows for improved algorithm performance
  • Contribute to structured testing methodologies aligning with GEOINT standards
  • Collaborate with Government stakeholders and cross-functional teams
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior personnel
  • Deliver integrated, high-confidence assessments of analytic outputs

Benefits

  • Flexible healthcare, dental, and vision plans
  • Paid time off (PTO) and 11 federal holidays
  • Matching 401(k) plan
  • Short- and long-term disability, life insurance, cancer insurance, and pet insurance
  • Ongoing professional development and advancement opportunities
Full Job Description
Senior SAR Imagery Scientist (AI/ML Validation) | TS/SCI

Location: Springfield VA

Overview
Join a mission-focused effort supporting AI assurance and accreditation within GEOINT. Supporting NGA's Assurance and Governance (QA) office and the Accreditation of AI Models (AGAIM) program, this role is centered on evaluating and validating AI and machine learning models against operational Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery to ensure mission-ready performance and analytic reliability.

As a Senior SAR Imagery Scientist, you will apply advanced expertise in SAR collection, phenomenology, image formation, and exploitation techniques to support AI/ML model evaluation efforts across a variety of operational scenarios. You will help assess model accuracy, data quality, and sensor limitations while contributing to structured testing methodologies that align with GEOINT standards and mission requirements. In this role, you will conduct detailed imagery analysis, support the refinement of analytic workflows, and contribute to the development of processes that improve algorithm performance and operational usability. Your work will play a direct role in validating analytic outputs, maintaining quality standards, and supporting the advancement of automated GEOINT capabilities. You will also collaborate closely with Government stakeholders and cross-functional teams to deliver integrated, high-confidence assessments while providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior personnel supporting the mission.

If you are a SAR professional looking to apply your expertise to cutting-edge AI/ML validation efforts supporting real-world intelligence operations, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Requirements
  • Active TS/SCI clearance with willingness to undergo a CI Polygraph exam
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree
    • or a Master's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience
    • or a Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience
    • or an Associate's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience
  • 4+ years of experience supporting SAR exploitation activities with strong understanding of collection, phenomenology, image formation processes, exploitation methods, and analytic workflows
  • Ability to support evaluation, validation, and quality control activities for SAR analytic outputs and operational datasets
  • Application of SAR imagery to identify the occurrence and location of objects of interest (OOI)
  • Proficiency with analytic and scripting tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar environments
  • Strong understanding of remote sensing principles, GEOINT tradecraft, and advanced imagery exploitation methodologies
  • Experience performing spatial analysis and working with geospatial datasets within operational or analytic environments
  • Ability to communicate SAR capabilities, analytic findings, and technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Experience working with GEOINT tools, databases, and reporting systems
  • Ability to mentor junior analysts and contribute within collaborative, team-based analytic environments
  • Capacity to work independently while maintaining high-quality analytic standards and mission accountability
Desired
  • Familiarity with computer vision (CV) and machine learning techniques as applied to SAR imagery

Apply now or send your resume directly to Antoine Thomas: [email protected]

Benefits Include:
  • Flexible healthcare, dental, and vision plans
  • Paid time off (PTO) and 11 federal holidays
  • Matching 401(k) plan
  • Short- and long-term disability, life insurance, cancer insurance, and pet insurance
  • Ongoing professional development and advancement opportunities

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