Remote Sensing SAR Specialist and Developer

GTSC and its Global Sciences and Technology (GST) business unit seeks a SAR specialist and developer to support NOAA/NESDIS/STAR. This position is located in College Park, MD.

Position Summary

The successful candidate will work with a group of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) scientists and software developers at the Satellite Oceanography and Climatology Division (SOCD) under the NOAA Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR). This position could be long-term depending on performance and Federal Government Funding.

Primary Duties: The individual in this position will be responsible for the development and maintenance of science code for production of flood mapping datasets from multiple SAR sensors (e.g., Sentinel-1, RADARSAT Constellation Mission, RADARSAT-2, and NISAR). Development, implementation, and improvement of flood inundation detection algorithms, and evaluation of their performance.

This is a scientific position that requires a strong understanding of physical science, mathematics, and scientific computing. Additional duties may include: Classification studies of river ice, i.e., detecting ice jams, tracking ice movement and breakup, and assessment of flooding risk. Utilizing SAR imagery to identify, outline, and characterize suspected oil slicks.

Assisting with additional coastal, ocean, and cryosphere applications of SAR. Required Education/Experience/Skills: PhD or MS, with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience, in a quantitative field of research such as Remote Sensing, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, or Statistics. Knowledge of SAR remote sensing, satellite & oceanographic data, systems, and analyses.

Proficiency with Python and IDL programming languages. Experience with application of machine learning algorithms using Py. Torch or Tensor. Flow is desired, however, a working knowledge of machine learning techniques will suffice. Experience with data formats frequently used by the remote sensing community such as netCDF4, HDF5, GeoTIFF, Xarray, and Zarr.

Experience with Linux operating systems and common tools. Proven list of deliverables (peer-reviewed publications, derived products, software packages, etc.) Willingness and ability to conduct independent research (problem definition, technical solution, coding, publication) while being a team player. Strong scientific analytical skills with detail-oriented working style.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government background investigation. This position is for US persons only.

Benefits

BENEFITS

• Employees working 30+ hours weekly We celebrate your contributions we will provide you with opportunities and choices and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care for full-time employees working 30-plus hours per week. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance. Business Unit: Global Sciences and Technology (GST) Identity Statement As part of the application process, you are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. Work Definitions: If this position is listed as remote or hybrid, you'll periodically work from a company or client site facility. As part of the onboarding process for this position, individuals undergoing identity verification for new PIV card issuance, must present a REAL ID compliant form of identification or an equivalent acceptable form. GTSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran disability or genetic information or any other reason prohibited by law in employment. GTSC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. GTSC participates in the E-Verify program in all locations as required by law.