Senior Spectral Scientist/ Modeling Lead
Riverside Research Institute
Summary
Riverside Research is seeking a Senior Spectral Scientist with experience in Optical & Infrared Spectral Modeling to lead development, sustainment, and validation of EO/IR spectral signature models for Department of War and Intelligence Community customers.
Job description
Position Overview
Riverside Research is seeking a Senior Spectral Scientist with experience in Optical & Infrared Spectral Modeling to lead development, sustainment, and validation of EO/IR spectral signature models for Department of War and Intelligence Community customers.
This position is located in Beavercreek, OH.
Responsibilities
- Lead development, validation, and sustainment of spectral signature models including EO/IR radiometric algorithms.
- Translate materials characterization datasets into physics-based models.
- Oversee development and integration of environmental correction models.
- Lead improvements to space weathering models incorporating material degradation physics.
- Validate models using laboratory measurements and synthetic test environments.
- Ensure interoperability between spectral models and spectral model databases.
- Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to modeling teams.
- Prepare technical reports and present findings to government and internal stakeholders.
Qualifications
Required
- At least 8 years of experience in EO/IR spectral modeling, radiometry, or hyperspectral exploitation with a Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Sciences, Applied Mathematics, or similar field or equivalent work experience.
- Experience implementing and validating atmospheric correction models.
- Strong scientific programming skills (Python, MATLAB).
- Experience validating physical models using laboratory or remote sensing data.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
- U.S. Citizen with an active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain SCI/SAP.
Desired
- Experience with material spectral signature generation or degradation modeling.
- Experience with uncertainty quantification or numerical optimization.
- Experience working in a team-oriented, interdisciplinary research environment.
Requirements
- At least 8 years of experience in EO/IR spectral modeling, radiometry, or hyperspectral exploitation
- Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Sciences, Applied Mathematics, or similar field or equivalent work experience
- Experience implementing and validating atmospheric correction models
- Strong scientific programming skills (Python, MATLAB)
- Experience validating physical models using laboratory or remote sensing data
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- U.S. Citizen with an active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain SCI/SAP
Benefits
- Comprehensive compensation and benefits package
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.