Exploitation Scientist/Data Scientist
Riverside Research Institute
Summary
Riverside Research is seeking an experienced Exploitation Scientist / Data Scientist to lead the development, integration, and delivery of advanced GEOINT exploitation capabilities in Falls Church VA. This role combines deep expertise in sensor phenomenology, data science, analytical modeling, and exploitation tradecraft. The Senior Exploitation Scientist will guide multi-sensor workflows, design new analytic methods, mentor junior staff, and collaborate directly with government partners to enhance intelligence production for DoD and Intelligence Community missions.
Job description
Position Overview
Riverside Research is seeking an experienced Exploitation Scientist / Data Scientist to lead the development, integration, and delivery of advanced GEOINT exploitation capabilities in Falls Church VA. This role combines deep expertise in sensor phenomenology, data science, analytical modeling, and exploitation tradecraft. The Senior Exploitation Scientist will guide multi-sensor workflows, design new analytic methods, mentor junior staff, and collaborate directly with government partners to enhance intelligence production for DoD and Intelligence Community missions.
Responsibilities
- Lead multi-sensor exploitation efforts across EO, IR, SAR, multispectral, and specialized collections
- Develop advanced analytic algorithms and models for detection, classification, change analysis, and data fusion
- Apply data science methodologies—including statistical modeling, machine learning, and automation—to improve exploitation accuracy and efficiency
- Perform deep-dive image science analyses, sensor performance evaluations, and phenomenology-driven characterization
- Design and refine data workflows, ensuring reproducible processing, metadata consistency, and high-quality data governance
- Integrate ML/AI capabilities into exploitation pipelines, coordinating with engineering, R&D, and mission partners
- Prepare and deliver technical briefings, analytical reports, and capability demonstrations to senior customers
- Lead development of SOPs, analytic standards, and documentation for multi-mission exploitation operations
- Provide direct mentorship to analysts, data scientists, and junior exploitation personnel
- Coordinate with collection managers, system developers, and intelligence stakeholders to optimize tasking strategies and analytical impact
- Ensure timely delivery of mission-critical GEOINT products supporting operational and strategic decision-making
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Data Science, Remote Sensing, Image Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience
- 7+ years of experience in GEOINT exploitation, analytic modeling, or advanced image science
- Strong proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical languages
- Experience developing machine-learning or statistical models for imagery exploitation or intelligence workflows
- Hands-on expertise with common exploitation tools (ENVI/IDL, ArcGIS, ERDAS, GDAL, or relevant sensor-specific toolsets)
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and guide analytic development
- Strong understanding of DoD/IC data standards, mission priorities, and production workflows
- Active TS or higher clearance
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with multi-sensor fusion, hyperspectral analysis, or advanced phenomenology-driven modeling
- Familiarity with cloud environments, data orchestration frameworks, or large-scale data architectures
- Experience supporting R&D, prototype evaluation, or system integration efforts
- GEOINT-related certifications or recognized technical publications
- Excellent communication skills and ability to engage senior customers
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Data Science, Remote Sensing, Image Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience
- 7+ years of experience in GEOINT exploitation, analytic modeling, or advanced image science
- Strong proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar analytical languages
- Experience developing machine-learning or statistical models for imagery exploitation or intelligence workflows
- Hands-on expertise with common exploitation tools (ENVI/IDL, ArcGIS, ERDAS, GDAL, or relevant sensor-specific toolsets)
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and guide analytic development
- Strong understanding of DoD/IC data standards, mission priorities, and production workflows
- Active TS or higher clearance
Benefits
- Comprehensive compensation packages
- Benefit packages
Company overview
Riverside Research Institute is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1967 and chartered to advance scientific research for the benefit of the U.S. government and public interest. Operating as a national security nonprofit, the institute specializes in delivering innovative solutions for the defense and intelligence communities' most challenging problems. Through its open innovation concept, Riverside Research conducts multidisciplinary research and development across diverse technological domains including artificial intelligence, machine learning, optics and photonics, electromagnetics, plasma physics, radio frequency systems, and biomedical engineering. The organization focuses on moving science from the laboratory to the field by building teams of recognized experts who deliver high-value solutions and services to government customers. With a strong emphasis on national security, Riverside Research provides technical, engineering, and advisory support to agencies such as the Department of Defense, Air Force Research Laboratory, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and other federal organizations. The institute's work spans critical areas including cybersecurity, sensor technologies, trusted systems, modeling and simulation, and advanced radar development, positioning it as a key partner in advancing U.S. technological capabilities for defense and intelligence applications.