Principal SAR Imagery Scientist (AI/ML Validation) | TS/SCI

United States·Springfieldlead

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Principal SAR Imagery Scientist (AI/ML Validation) | TS/SCILocation: Springfield VAOverviewJoin a mission-critical effort at the forefront of AI assurance within GEOINT.

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Principal SAR Imagery Scientist (AI/ML Validation) | TS/SCI

Location: Springfield VA

Overview
Join a mission-critical effort at the forefront of AI assurance within GEOINT. Supporting NGA's Assurance and Governance (QA) office and the Accreditation of AI Models (AGAIM) program, this role is focused on ensuring that advanced AI and machine learning models are rigorously tested, validated, and ready for real-world intelligence operations.

As a Principal SAR Imagery Scientist, you will serve as a leading authority in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), driving the evaluation and validation of AI/ML models against operational radar imagery. You will design and oversee testing methodologies that reflect real-world collection conditions, ensuring models perform reliably across diverse environments and mission scenarios. This role goes beyond analysis. You will apply deep expertise in SAR phenomenology, sensor physics, and image formation to assess model performance, identify limitations, and guide improvements. Your work will directly influence how AI is trusted and deployed across the mission, shaping analytic standards and advancing automated GEOINT capabilities. You will also play a key advisory role, translating complex technical findings into actionable insights for leadership, while collaborating across NGA and the broader Intelligence Community to ensure mission-relevant, accurate, and defensible outcomes.

If you are a SAR expert looking to shape how AI is evaluated, trusted, and deployed across real-world intelligence missions, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI clearance with willingness to undergo a CI Polygraph exam
18+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree, or a PhD with 10+ years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 13+ years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years of relevant experience, or an Associate’s degree with 16+ years of relevant experience
Proven 6+ years of experience as a SAR expert with deep expertise in collection, phenomenology, collection geometry, sensor physics, image formation processes, and exploitation tradecraft
Application of SAR imagery to identify the occurrence and location of objects of interest (OOI)
Proficiency with SAR-focused toolsets and environments including SARPy, MATLAB SAR Toolbox, and Python-based workflows
Experience developing, testing, and evaluating algorithms, methodologies, and analytic processes using SAR imagery
Application of image quality metrics, sensor metadata (e.g., graze, squint), and information-theoretic approaches to assess SAR data quality and performance
Application of remote sensing and geospatial platforms such as Google Earth Engine for advanced imagery analysis and modeling workflows
Ability to design, evaluate, and refine analytic models and validation frameworks using operational, real-world datasets
Ability to communicate complex SAR concepts, findings, and system capabilities to both technical and non-technical audiences
Strong foundation in remote sensing principles, GEOINT tradecraft, and advanced imagery exploitation methodologies
Capacity to operate independently while providing authoritative technical guidance and advisory support to government leadership

Desired

Working knowledge of computer vision (CV) and machine learning techniques as applied to SAR imagery

Apply now or send your resume directly to Antoine Thomas: antoine.thomas@xts-inc.com

Why XTS?

XTS is a veteran owned company focused on mission success and professional growth. We foster a collaborative environment and invest in our people so they can thrive while supporting critical national security missions.

Benefits Include:

Flexible healthcare, dental, and vision plans
Paid time off (PTO) and 11 federal holidays
Matching 401(k) plan
Short- and long-term disability, life insurance, cancer insurance, and pet insurance
Ongoing professional development and advancement opportunities

Salary Range: $135,000-$145,000/annually, with final compensation determined based on experience, qualifications, and alignment with the requirements of role.