Remote Sensing Data Scientist

Job Title – Remote Sensing Data Scientist

*Please note this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled Remote Sensing Data Scientist with deep expertise in remote sensing principles, machine learning, deep learning, geospatial analytics, and image processing to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate has a proven track record working with remote sensing data (satellite, aerial imagery) and can translate imagery into actionable insights through advanced modeling techniques.

In this role, you will:

Remote Sensing & Data Science

• Apply foundations of remote sensing and advanced techniques in image analysis, geospatial analytics, machine learning, and deep learning to extract insights from complex imagery datasets (e.g., multispectral, hyperspectral, SAR).
• Build, validate, and operationalize predictive and prescriptive analytics solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability, and decision making across agricultural operations.
• Design and implement pipelines for imagery ingestion, preprocessing, feature extraction, and model deployment at scale.
• Write comprehensive model documentation, including problem framing, data requirements, modeling approach, validation, and operationalization.
• Adhere to data science best practices—peer review, code review, reproducibility, and version control.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner closely with agronomic scientists, biologists, field operations teams, and digital product teams to co-develop remote sensing solutions aligned with business needs.
• Collaborate with global Data Science community to leverage shared tools, platforms, and modeling frameworks.
• Communicate complex technical concepts, model performance, and insights to stakeholders clearly and effectively.

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in the United States. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

1. Education & Experience: Ph.D. or M.S. (with 4 years of experience) in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Data Science, Agronomy, Imagery & Robotics, or related fields.

2. Imagery & Remote Sensing Expertise: Hands-on experience working with remote sensing datasets. Strong knowledge of image processing techniques (e.g., atmospheric correction, orthorectification, segmentation, and feature extraction). Experience with geospatial tools (e.g., GDAL, Rasterio, GeoPandas) and working with spatial data formats.

3. Machine Learning & Deep Learning: Proficiency in applying ML/DL methods to imagery: CNNs, semantic segmentation, object detection, time-series modeling, usage of foundational models. Strong understanding of statistical concepts, model evaluation, and uncertainty quantification.

4. Agriculture & Agronomy Background: Foundational understanding of agricultural systems, crop development, field operations, and agronomic principles. Ability to contextualize remote sensing insights within agronomic workflows (e.g., crop health diagnostics, field variability, environmental influences). Experience collaborating with agronomists or applying remote sensing to real world agricultural challenges is highly beneficial.

5. Cloud & Engineering Skills: Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) for scalable data processing and deployment.

6. Programming Skills: Proficiency in Python and common ML/DL libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenCV, scikit-learn). Experience with SQL for querying, transforming, and managing structured datasets. Strong coding discipline, including maintainable code, testing, version control (GitHub), and reproducible workflows. Familiary with AI assisted coding tools and technologies for rapid prototyping.

7. Soft Skills: High sense of ownership, curiosity, and motivation to deliver impactful analytic. Ability to explain technical findings to non-technical audiences. Strong collaboration and communication skills across diverse functional teams.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until March 21, 2025.

The annual salary for this position is between $68,000 - $109,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.