Senior OPIR Scientist

About the role

G3 is looking for a Senior Scientist to support research, algorithm development, and advanced analytics for overhead persistent infrared (OPIR) and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensing systems. This is a technically demanding role centered on OPIR phenomenology, optical signature characterization, and sensor performance analysis. It directly supports national security missions at a customer site in Herndon, Virginia. You will work alongside algorithm engineers, data scientists, and intelligence analysts to develop and apply physics-based models, image science methods, and multi-platform remote sensing analytics. The work is fast-paced and mission-driven: requirements shift, collection windows are finite, and your analysis informs real decisions. We want someone who has done this work before, can operate with autonomy, and has enough OPIR depth to hit the ground running.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development of advanced algorithms for OPIR and EO/IR remote sensing systems, with emphasis on target detection, tracking, location, and characterization.
• Design, implement, and evaluate algorithms for EO/IR sensor and camera performance, including noise modeling, radiometric calibration, and sensitivity analysis.
• Analyze optical signature data to extract target phenomenology, characterize signatures, and produce technically rigorous intelligence insights.
• Conduct multi-platform remote sensing analytics across varied sensors, collection geometries, and data streams.
• Support the full OPIR TCPED process (tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination).
• Review and validate analytic products for technical accuracy and mission relevance, identify gaps, and recommend improvements.
• Keep detailed, reproducible analysis logs documenting workflows, assumptions, methods, and results.
• Respond to real-time EO/IR analysis requests and adapt quickly to changing mission priorities.
• Test and evaluate emerging algorithms, exploitation tools, and analytic platforms, and contribute to trade studies and capability assessments.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings, findings, and written reports to customer and program stakeholders.
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to analytic standards and methodology across the team.

Required qualifications

• Active Top Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain SCI and a CI polygraph.
• Bachelor's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on OPIR experience, including demonstrated work in EO/IR phenomenology, optical signature analysis, or sensor performance assessment.
• Experience with image processing and digital signal processing tools for short-wave and mid-wave infrared data.
• Experience applying target detection and background suppression algorithms in OPIR or EO/IR contexts.
• Familiarity with multi-data-stream ingest and analysis techniques.
• Working knowledge of the TCPED process for OPIR collection and exploitation.
• Strong documentation and communication skills. You will write technical reports and brief customers, not just do the analysis.
• Ability to work independently and manage your own priorities.

Preferred qualifications

• Master's degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Direct experience with optical signature modeling and EO/IR phenomenology characterization.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, IDL, or C/C++ for algorithm development or data analysis.
• Experience with geospatial and exploitation tools such as ArcGIS, Google Earth, Opticks, or Palette.
• Background in radiometric calibration, sensor noise modeling, or end-to-end sensor performance modeling.
• Experience supporting collection planning and requirements definition for remote sensing systems.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-enhanced analytics for remote sensing or signature exploitation.
• Prior experience supporting classified programs in a defense or intelligence community environment.