Demo

SAR Imagery Analyst / Scientist Lead

BAE Systems
BAE Systems Salary
Sterling, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/10/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/10/2026

Job Description
The SAR Imagery Scientist Lead serves as the subject matter expert in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Imagery modality, provides technical direction and conducts the research necessary to acquire and prepare imagery of the necessary quality, standards, and requirements provided by the Government. The qualified individual will develop solutions stemming from their deep experience working with imagery from a variety of sensors and platforms. The SAR Imagery Scientist will routinely provide geospatial and imagery expertise and quantitative analysis to make recommendations that improve curation and development in support of Machine Learning algorithm testing and evaluation. The Lead will also serve as supervisor of BAE Systems and partner personnel.

Day-to-day tasks may include but not be limited to:
  • Conducting assessments of potential differences between new sensor characteristics and capabilities as compared to currently utilized platforms.
  • Assessing potential differences in metadata, data format, and data structure characteristics in regard to changes to databases, schemas, API’s and other ETL related processes for the ingestion and movement of data when integrating into the existing data operations pipeline.
  • Determining how to acquire new data, potential latency associated with acquisition, data formats, and security domains.
  • Determining how to pre-process and standardize the data to match existing data standards or to be transformed into a usable state for labeling and model testing purposes. This may involve converting between file format types or tiling full-size images into specified sizes or geospatial bounds.
  • Investigating any gaps in the emerging sensor capability that may need to be supplemented by other sources.
  • Exploring options for coincident imagery collects from other imagery platforms (e.g. EO platforms) that align with areas of emerging sensor’s collection. Determine other platforms with similar geographic and temporal coverage.
  • Managing time, timesheet deadlines, and report generation as needed.


Required Education, Experience, & Skills
  • 15 years of full-time experience as an Imagery Analyst or Image Scientist (an applicable degree may be substituted for some experience).
  • 6 years of SAR analysis with understanding of collection, phenomenology, image formation process, and exploitation products.
  • A minimum of 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role processing personnel, staffing actions and overseeing timecards where necessary.
  • Experience developing, testing, and evaluating new algorithms, processes, methodologies, and products using SAR imagery including using advanced processing tools, such as Python, MATLAB, Google Earth Engine, etc., to automate scientific processes of SAR imagery data to aid analysis
  • Experience in RNIRS, information theoretic-based image quality metrics, SAR imagery quality metrics (e.g., Integrated Sidelobe Ratio, Multiplicative Noise Ratio), and sensor metadata describing impacts of geometry on phenomenology.
  • Must possess experience communicating with a variety of technical and non-technical audiences on availability and capabilities of SAR imagery products, methodologies, procedures and algorithms to enhance analysis.
  • Must possess deep understanding of the principles of remote sensing and imagery processing and advanced exploitation methods.
  • Current TS/SCI security clearance with ability to obtain CI Poly


Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Experience applying Computer Vision (CV) and machine learning (ML) techniques to SAR imagery to address intelligence problems.


Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20 hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.


About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Salary : $132,962 - $226,035

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