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.
