Senior Scientist (OPIR)

Location: Customer site in Herndon, Virginia, United States

Salary: $150,000–$235,000 USD annually

Company

hirify.global provides mission and technical expertise for national security, technology, and defense challenges.

What you will do

• Lead research and development of algorithms for OPIR and EO/IR remote sensing, including target detection, tracking, location, and characterization.
• Design and evaluate sensor and camera performance methods covering noise modeling, radiometric calibration, and sensitivity analysis.
• Analyze optical signature data, characterize target phenomenology, and produce intelligence insights.
• Conduct multi-platform analytics across varied sensors, collection geometries, and data streams.
• Support the OPIR TCPED process from tasking and collection planning through exploitation and dissemination.
• Validate analytic products, respond to real-time requests, prepare technical briefings and reports, and mentor junior analysts.

Requirements

• Active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain SCI and a CI polygraph.
• Bachelor’s degree in Image Science, Engineering, Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on OPIR experience in EO/IR phenomenology, optical signature analysis, or sensor performance assessment.
• Experience with image processing and digital signal processing for short-wave and mid-wave infrared data.
• Experience applying target detection and background suppression algorithms in OPIR or EO/IR environments.
• Working knowledge of TCPED, multi-data-stream analysis, technical documentation, and customer briefings; ability to work independently.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in a related technical field.
• Experience with optical signature modeling, EO/IR phenomenology, radiometric calibration, sensor noise modeling, or end-to-end sensor performance modeling.
• Python, MATLAB, IDL, or C/C++ proficiency for algorithm development and data analysis.
• Experience with ArcGIS, Google Earth, Opticks, Palette, collection planning, or requirements definition.
• Familiarity with AI/ML-enhanced remote sensing analytics and classified defense or intelligence programs.

Culture & Benefits

• Mission-driven work supporting national security programs.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus a company-contributed Health Savings Account.
• Annual paid time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
• 401(k) with a company match and financial wellness support.
• Training and development opportunities, award programs, and company-sponsored events.