Senior Calibration Engineer

Position Description
ERT is seeking a highly skilled Senior Calibration Engineer to support satellite and remote sensing calibration activities for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. This work may be performed remotely with limited travel to EROS in Sioux Falls, SD. This role involves leading calibration efforts for Earth observation instruments and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of satellite data products. The Senior Calibration Engineer will work closely with scientists, engineers, and external stakeholders to develop and maintain precise calibration methodologies for data used in scientific research and environmental monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Calibration and Instrument Performance Management:
  
  • Lead the development, implementation, and refinement of calibration methodologies for satellite sensors, including radiometric, geometric, and temporal calibration.
  • Monitor and assess the performance of Earth observation instruments (e.g., Landsat, MODIS, Sentinel) to maintain the quality and integrity of data products.
  • Identify and resolve calibration issues affecting data quality, performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with data scientists to ensure calibration algorithms are properly applied to satellite imagery and geospatial data products.
• Sensor Characterization and Validation:
  
  • Develop and conduct pre-launch and post-launch calibration processes for Earth observation satellites.
  • Perform cross-calibration between instruments to ensure consistency across datasets from multiple satellite missions.
  • Conduct ground-truthing campaigns and use in-situ measurements to validate satellite sensor data and refine calibration models.
• Technical Collaboration and Support:
  
  • Work closely with scientists, engineers, and remote sensing experts to align calibration practices with USGS research objectives.
  • Coordinate with external agencies (e.g., NASA, NOAA) to share calibration data, methodologies, and best practices.
  • Provide technical expertise and guidance to junior engineers and staff involved in calibration efforts.
• Data Reporting and Documentation:
  
  • Prepare detailed reports, documentation, and presentations on calibration methodologies, outcomes, and recommendations for stakeholders.
  • Publish calibration findings and methodologies in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
  • Maintain documentation of calibration workflows to ensure reproducibility and adherence to best practices.

Required Skills 

• 8+ years of experience in remote sensing calibration, satellite sensor calibration, or Earth observation instrumentation.
• Strong knowledge of radiometric, geometric, and temporal calibration principles.
• Experience with satellite data products (e.g., Landsat, MODIS, Sentinel) and geospatial analysis tools.
• Proficiency in programming and automation tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for calibration data processing.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to diagnose and resolve calibration challenges.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident (green card) and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance. 

Desired

• Experience working with satellite missions from NASA, NOAA, or international space agencies.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) for data processing.
• Knowledge of environmental monitoring, land cover analysis, or climate science.
• Experience with calibration automation tools and workflows.

Education
Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Engineering, Physics, Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, or a related field.

Location
Work may be performed in Sioux Falls, SD or remotely from Greenbelt, MD. The position is eligible for a remote, onsite, or hybrid work schedule.

Salary
The salary range for this role is $83,000 - $239,000/year. This range is a good faith estimate based on similar roles across the organization. ERT uses several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the position's scope and expected duties, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.  

Benefits
All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Professional Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Competitive compensation plan
• Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance
• Publication and Conference Presentation Awards with bonuses

ERT is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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