Senior/Principal Computer Scientist, Photogrammetry and Precision Geolocation, Onsite

About the position

Sandia's Autonomous Sensing & Perception organization is currently seeking an R&D Computer Scientist, with a photogrammetry and precision geolocation emphasis, to join the team. The selected candidate will perform research and development work focused on making orbital, aerial, and terrestrial sensors and their associated platforms and support equipment more autonomous through the application of cutting-edge photogrammetry, remote sensing, and perception methods. The principal focus for this position is the development and advancement of techniques to improve the geolocation accuracy of remote sensing data and augmentation of computer vision techniques with precision mensuration, collectively referred to as precision geolocation. The successful applicant will have experience in relevant technical areas such as: photogrammetry, computer vision, image processing, statistical modeling, algorithm development and optimization, remote sensing, software engineering, and high-performance computing.

Responsibilities

• Analyze imagery and metadata from sensor collections to identify and explore potential quantitative approaches that will improve data usability and handle complications intrinsic to the data.
• Develop algorithms that will improve geolocation precision and accuracy estimation, along with three-dimensional scene reconstruction, thereby enabling down-stream automated processing on tight timelines.
• Implement and deploy high potential approaches in software, working closely with diverse teams of scientists and engineers from across Sandia and external partner organizations (government, academia, industry) that are designing and building multiple sensor systems, platforms, and ground stations.

Requirements

• Masters in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or other relevant technical degree field plus one (1) year of relevant professional experience; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience (Bachelors + 5 years experience)
• Experience in generating new basic and applied concepts, proposing those concepts to sponsors, building and leading medium-to-large-sized teams to turn those concepts into mature capabilities, and deploying those capabilities into high-consequence operational environments
• Demonstrated practical, on-the-job experience in the following areas that goes substantially beyond tutorials, coursework, class projects, and degree/thesis topics: Photogrammetry and/or Computer Vision, C++ and Python, Git or other modern version control, Experience using Linux operating systems and ability to perform technical work in a Linux environment
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level clearance and SCI-level clearance, which may require a polygraph test

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with performing rigorous analysis and algorithm development with large volumes of sensor data
• GPU accelerated image processing techniques, especially utilizing CUDA Toolkit
• Synthetic remote sensing data generation software and/or remote sensing data analysis software
• Machine learning techniques for computer vision
• Communicating technical results through technical writing (e.g., journal articles, conference proceedings, white papers, reports, etc.) or technical presentations (e.g., conference presentations, sponsor/customer briefings, etc.)
• Docker
• Familiarity with three-dimensional scene reconstruction (e.g., structure from motion) and associated photogrammetric, remote sensing, and computer vision methods
• Synthetic aperture radar and electro-optical imaging systems, geometry, and phenomenology
• Ability to work effectively as a member of diverse, multidisciplinary project teams
• An active DOE L- or Q-level security clearance or other equivalent active security clearance

Benefits

• Generous vacations
• Strong medical and other benefits
• Competitive 401k
• Learning opportunities
• Relocation assistance
• Amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance