IMAGE SCIENTIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Oct 16, 2025 - The Image Scientist involves developing innovative image processing technologies, requiring expertise in physics, engineering, optics, computer science, data science, or mathematics, with strong skills in image algorithm development, modeling, simulation, and quantitative analysis. This role requires proficiency in C/C++ and MATLAB, experience with digital imaging pipelines, familiarity with HALO, Aperio, or InForm, and a record of publications and presentations. The scientist also demands an active TS/SCI clearance with CI and FS polygraphs, and experience analyzing IHC-stained slides.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Image Scientist Resume
  • Image Verification
  • Theoretical Modeling
  • Algorithm Development
  • System Design
  • Electro-Optical Payloads
  • Software Scripting
  • Image Processing
  • Remote Sensing
  • Image Modeling
  • Test Development
  • Teamwork
  • Collaboration
  • Design Review
  • Technical Reporting
  • Technical Communication
  • Project Planning
  • Team Collaboration
  • Problem Solving
  • Visualization Skills
  • Independent Work

Summary of Image Scientist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Physics with 4 years of Experience

  • Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to read schematics and debug digital hardware using oscilloscope, logic analyzer, or similar tools for troubleshooting.
  • Experience writing embedded device drivers.
  • Experience debugging embedded platforms.
  • Knowledge of embedded software and firmware development, including C and C++.
  • Up-to-date experience with Embedded Linux platforms, configuration, board support package, kernel drivers, and device tree.
  • Experience using the GIT version control system.
  • Experience developing with GCC/GNU toolchain.
  • Experience with embedded camera and video processing.
  • Must have a self-driven personality.
  • Capable of a big picture, system-oriented approach.
  • Solid technical leadership skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

2. BS in Electrical Engineering with 3 years of Experience

  • Expertise in developing algorithms for target detection methods in remote sensing imagery.
  • Experience with ENVI image processing software and spectroscopy.
  • Ability to conduct sensor operations on small aircraft.
  • Ability and willingness to obtain FAA Part 107 certification in preparation for potential customer migration to Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) platforms.
  • Experience in algorithms development environments such as MATLAB, ENVI/IDL and Python in C/C++.
  • Understanding science/physics basis for algorithm development, material/target phenomenology and atmospheric correction routines.
  • Experience conducting analysis of hyperspectral imagery.
  • Great interpersonal skills are required to work effectively in a team environment.

3. BS in Optical Engineering with 6 years of Experience

  • Working knowledge of the Windows operating system.
  • Proficiency in developing and delivering lesson material in a formal classroom environment or for digital recording in video or CBT format.
  • Familiarity with microlearning, video editing, and lesson plan development principles.
  • Formal training in remote sensing and/or earth science/physical science, or engineering/mathematical disciplines.
  • Extensive knowledge of imaging radar physics, phenomenology, and phase history processing.
  • Proficient in MATLAB, IDL, or similar image/signal processing capability.
  • Knowledge or experience with GIS software and methodological principles, especially ArcGIS.
  • Prior academic or professional technical experience.
  • Proficiency with MS SharePoint, especially as implemented in the IC/JWICS architecture.
  • Experience and technical knowledge associated with the development and use of APIs.
  • Experience and technical knowledge associated with the Amazon C2S cloud infrastructure framework.
  • Experience and technical knowledge associated with the IC implementation of the C2Scloud framework (especially, PKIs and content/access security constraints).

4. BS in Computer Science with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience in image science, remote sensing, earth science, physical science, engineering, or a similar engineering/science field.
  • Experience in applied image processing and scientific analysis of imagery (SAR, IR, Spectral, Lidar), knowledge of image formation, and associated discipline phenomenology.
  • Additional experience required includes scientifically processing imagery (SAR, IR, Spectral, Lidar) from Civil and Commercial imaging systems, proficiency with techniques, algorithms, and scientific analysis of associated discipline data processing using RSI ENVI.
  • Experience with GOTS applications such as FSTK and AGITK.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing and oral presentations, complete tasks in a timely manner with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as a team member.
  • Photogrammetric expertise is a specific requirement.
  • Able to provide Photogrammetric expertise, recommendations, and training on advanced phenomenology, techniques and methodology.
  • Able to support the analysis and production cycle and mission requirements.
  • Proficiency using ITT ENVI COTS image processing software, ERADAS IMAGINE, MS Office, Windows.
  • Knowledge of programming languages such as IDL, R, and Python.
  • Familiarity with commercial and civil data sources, integration of resulting data into ArcGIS.

5. BS in Data Science with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience and proficiency in scientifically processing and exploiting Lidar data, to include viewshed/line of sight analysis, point cloud manipulation and editing-clipping, slope, hill shade, aspect analysis, feature digitization, FOPEN analysis, and 3D modeling.
  • Experience in scientifically processing Lidar data from Civil and Commercial imaging systems.
  • Understanding of sensor design principles and their relationship to sensor performance in this phenomenology/discipline.
  • Proficiency using ArcGIS (to include Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, and preferably LIDAR Analyst), QT Modeler, and ENVI.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and communication skills.
  • Ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels in the GEOINT Community.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with the US Intelligence Community, specifically imagery collection and exploitation, and GEOINT’s role in the intelligence mission.
  • Experience collaborating with multiple national and service intelligence agencies/centers.
  • Knowledge in the tasking of overhead intelligence collection systems.
  • Proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Excel.

6. BS in Mathematics with 5 years of Experience

  • Work experience in remote sensing or a related field.
  • Ability to conduct sensor operations on small aircraft in a potentially turbulent environment.
  • Experience with ENVI image processing software and spectroscopy.
  • Working knowledge of applied physics, optics, and higher mathematics.
  • Ability to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions.
  • Ability and willingness to obtain FAA Part 107 certification in preparation for potential customer migration to Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) platforms.
  • Must have Microsoft Office literacy.
  • Must have good communication skills.
  • Programming skills in several of the following languages, including IDL, Python, Java, C/C++, etc.
  • Ability to conduct data collections and statistical analysis, and control and diagnostic software development.
  • Familiarity with optical design, optical physics, and optical components.

7. BA in Applied Physics with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience developing briefings and training materials to transfer technology to colleagues and clients.
  • Experience with UAS operation and associated wireless communications.
  • Familiarity with sensor calibration, characterization, and radiometry.
  • Most work will be done at a desk or computer.
  • Able to work environment is fast-paced and sometimes extreme deadline pressures.
  • Must be able to work a 40-hour workweek, normally Monday through Friday.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in the English language.
  • Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation.
  • Must be able to interface effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization, both verbally and in writing.
  • Must be well-organized with the ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Must work well under pressure to meet deadline requirements. 

8. BA in Imaging Science with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience working in the Government industry.
  • Experience with the Intelligence Community.
  • Ability to conduct EO payload analysis and simulate EO performance.
  • Ability to understand image formation processing and analyze the iteration between EO payload designs and image formation processing algorithms.
  • Experience with remote sensing, to include an understanding of sensor payloads and their Concept of Operations (CONOPs).
  • Ability to upgrade and enhance existing engineering software scripts for new systems and payload concepts.
  • Ability to quickly learn new sensor phenomenology for experimental applications.
  • Ability to design engineering experiments for the purpose of understanding system design impacts or identifying optimal parameter settings.

9. BA in Computational Mathematics with 3 years of Experience

  • Ability to explain and effectively communicate complex engineering analyses and studies to government and corporate management.
  • Ability to establish a plan for a project and to accomplish goals embodied by the plan.
  • Ability to contribute to team efforts or to operate completely independently.
  • Experience conducting engineering analysis, modeling, and simulation.
  • Experience with a variety of scripting languages for simulation model development and engineering analysis, e.g., Matlab, Python, R, Perl, or related languages.
  • Ability to provide engineering support to currently funded customer programs.
  • Ability to write engineering software scripts in a variety of languages for both problem solving and visualization.
  • Demonstrated initiative and strong ownership of deliverables.

10. BA in Engineering Physics with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or other closely related fields.
  • Broad exposure to medical imaging physics.
  • Ability to design and develop imaging algorithms.
  • Proficient in the use of software tools for analysis and simulation (MATLAB, Python, C++, etc).
  • Effective communication skills and boundaryless behavior.
  • Experience with image analysis and FPGA experience (High-speed VHDL and/or Verilog).
  • Ability to design and test algorithms in a simulation environment using MATLAB, Python, or C++.
  • Knowledge of basic imaging functions like geometric (e.g., affine) transformations, simple target (e.g, crosshair) detection, 2D digital filtering (smoothing and edge enhancement), and morphological processing (e.g., erosion/dilation).

11. BS in Physics with 8 years of Experience

  • Must have Physics, Electrical Engineering (or other engineering), Optics/Optical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, and/or Mathematics (combined with complementary) experience.
  • Experience with a demonstrated ability to create innovative technology related to image processing.
  • Must have experience in image algorithm development, digital imaging processing pipelines, modeling and simulation for computing digital images, and quantitative analysis of digital images.
  • Must have  C/C++ and MATLAB programming skills.
  • Must have a track record of publications and presentations.
  • Experience with image analysis of IHC-stained slides, preferably in the field of immuno-oncology.
  • Digital image analysis experience with HALO, Aperio, InForm, or other software.
  • Able to keep CI and FS Polys active as well.
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