Image Processing Engineer

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Image Processing Engineer to design, develop, and optimize image processing algorithms for satellite remote sensing data. This role emphasizes sensor-aware image processing, image quality assessment, and geometric fidelity across Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical (MSI) imagery.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in classical and modern image processing techniques, a solid understanding of sensor physics and system performance metrics (e.g., MTF, SNR), and the ability to translate theoretical models into robust, production-grade algorithms.

Key Responsibilities

1. Remote Sensing Image Processing & Quality Analysis

• Design and implement image processing algorithms for SAR and optical satellite imagery.
• Analyze and optimize image quality metrics including Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), radiometric resolution, contrast, and spatial resolution.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate sensor- and platform-induced artifacts, including noise, blur, aliasing, speckle, and distortions.
• Perform image enhancement, denoising, filtering, and resolution-preserving transformations tailored for remote sensing data characteristics.

2. Geometric Processing & Coregistration

• Develop and refine pipelines for geometric correction, georeferencing, orthorectification, and multi-sensor coregistration.
• Address geometric distortions caused by sensor models, platform motion, terrain relief, and imaging geometry.
• Collaborate with Calibration and Validation (Cal/Val) teams to evaluate geometric accuracy and ensure image quality consistency across datasets.

3. Sensor Characterization & Performance Understanding

• Apply sensor models and system-level concepts to image formation and processing workflows.
• Analyze the effects of MTF, SNR, sampling theory, and noise models on downstream products such as image fusion and analytics.
• Support payload and mission teams with image-based performance assessment and technical feedback.

4. Algorithm Development & Deployment

• Develop clean, efficient, and scalable image processing code for cloud-based environments.
• Optimize algorithms for large-scale geospatial datasets and high-throughput processing systems.
• Design and execute validation experiments to quantify image quality, geometric accuracy, and algorithm robustness.

5. Documentation & Collaboration

• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation detailing algorithms, assumptions, validation results, and known limitations.
• Stay current with advances in remote sensing image processing, sensor technologies, and computer vision methods.
• Work closely with Data Fusion Scientists, Remote Sensing Analysts, and Software Engineers to integrate algorithms into production workflows.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Remote Sensing, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Geoinformatics, Physics, or a related quantitative discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 2+ years of professional experience in satellite image processing, remote sensing, or sensor data analysis.

Image Processing Fundamentals

• Strong understanding of filtering, sampling, interpolation, denoising, and enhancement techniques.
• Familiarity with image quality metrics such as MTF, SNR, radiometric resolution, and spatial resolution.

Remote Sensing Expertise

• Hands-on experience with SAR and/or optical satellite data.
• Understanding of speckle, noise models, and radiometric and geometric corrections.

Coding Skills

• Proficiency in Python, with experience using:
  • NumPy, SciPy, Pandas
  • GDAL / Rasterio
  • scikit-image, OpenCV
• Experience with scalable or parallel processing is a strong advantage.

Geometric Awareness

• Familiarity with sensor models (RPCs or rigorous physical models) and georeferencing techniques.