Remote Sensing Engineer

The Remote Sensing Engineer will play a central role in advanced Earth-observing microwave remote sensing missions developed at Spire Global, providing technical leadership for the calibration, validation, and scientific exploitation of spaceborne microwave radiometers. This position spans responsibility for payload performance, RF engineering, ground processing of instrument data to deliver to our global Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) customers and in-orbit calibration, and scientific support for atmospheric retrieval algorithms. This is a pivotal role that is key to Spire building the world's first hyperspectral microwave and multi-sensor commercial constellation to measure temperature, water vapour and precipitation at spatial and temporal scales beyond the current state of the art.   

Key Responsibilities  

• Lead and oversee in-orbit calibration and validation of our microwave sounding instruments, including design and implementation of in orbit calibration, radiative transfer modelling, end-to-end testing, and on-orbit performance assessment.   
• Maintain scientific code base for ground processing of microwave sensor observation data for operational delivery to end users   
• Lead algorithmic development for atmospheric temperature, humidity and precipitation retrievals from brightness temperature measurements, including radiative transfer modelling and uncertainty estimation.
• Support trade studies and requirement definition for future missions and collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering team and end users to define and deliver next generation sensing capabilities.
• Develop, improve, and maintain calibration methodologies, including cross-calibration with reference targets (cold space, onboard blackbody), and support radiometer precision traceability.
• Analyse and visualise large-scale Earth observation datasets, applying physical principles and advanced coding (Python libraries including numpy, pandas, etc) to extract scientific and engineering insights from complex multi-channel microwave data.
• Document and communicate results via technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations at international conferences and internal forums.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including RF engineers, scientists, and software developers, to deliver mission objectives under demanding operational timelines.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to continuous improvement of instrumentation and measurement techniques.  

Required Qualifications  

• Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in physics, engineering, remote sensing, atmospheric science, or a related discipline, with demonstrable experience in microwave instrumentation or other remote sensing instrumentation.
• In-depth understanding of calibration and validation of remote sensing payloads, microwave radiometry, instrument pointing, calibration techniques, and error budgets relevant to atmospheric sounding missions.
• Proven experience in developing and validating retrieval algorithms for satellite microwave sensors, with emphasis on radiative transfer and inverse methods.
• Advanced programming ability in scientific languages (primarily using Python) and demonstrated capability to process and analyze large scientific datasets.
• Proficient with Linux based environments and cloud environments (AWS or Databricks).
• Excellent communication skills in technical writing and presentations; evidence of scientific publication or stakeholder engagement.  

Desirable Skills  

• Experience with cross-sensor and inter-satellite calibration campaigns in operational or research settings; knowledge of international standards and protocols.
• Proficient in applying machine learning and deep learning techniques applied to atmospheric sensing.
• Familiarity with satellite mission lifecycle, payload commissioning, and operational support for spaceborne remote sensing systems. 
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with scientific processor deployment in operational cloud environments.

Spire operates a hybrid work model, and this position will require you to work a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Access to US export-controlled software and/or technology may be required for this role. If needed, Spire will arrange the necessary licenses—this is not something candidates need to have before applying.

The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Final base salary for this role will be based on the location, skills, experience and qualifications. In addition to base compensation, this role is eligible for commissions and annual equity awards. This role is also eligible for our employee benefits program, including vacation, sick, and personal time off; optional medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage; a 401(K) plan; health and wellness reimbursement program; and participation in Spire’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Base Salary Range: $130,000 USD - $171,000 USD

Global Perks

🛰️ Name Your Satellite Program (NYSP)
🚀 Launch Attendance
🌴 Generous Time Off Policy
🎓 Education Assistance Program
🥰 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
📈 Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
👣 Family Leave
💪 Fitness Reimbursement
🧡 Employee Referral Program
🍉 Healthy snacks & beverages in every office

About Spire

We improve life on Earth with data from space.

Spire Global is a space-to-cloud analytics company that owns and operates the largest multi-purpose constellation of satellites. Its proprietary data and algorithms provide the most advanced maritime, aviation, and weather tracking in the world. In addition to its constellation, Spire’s data infrastructure includes a global ground station network and 24/7 operations that provide real-time global coverage of every point on Earth.

Spire is Global and our success draws upon the diverse viewpoints, skills and experiences of our employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status.

To help maintain a safe and secure workplace for Spire employees, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to complete a background check. This may include criminal history and employment verification.

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