Urban Sky · 2 days ago
Remote Sensing Data Scientist & Program Lead
United States
Full-time
Remote
Mid, Senior Level
$120K/yr - $170K/yr
5+ years expUrban Sky is a venture-backed aerospace startup that pioneers utilization of the stratosphere and reimagines the way humans view and analyze the earth. They are seeking an experienced Remote Sensing Data Scientist to lead their NASA ROSES-funded "Hot Spot" project, focusing on wildfire detection and monitoring using stratospheric balloon platforms.
GeospatialMapping ServicesNavigationRemote SensingSmart Cities
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Lead the NASA Hot Spot program as primary technical and programmatic owner, managing schedule, deliverables, and customer relationships
Lead algorithm development, calibration, and validation for Land Surface Temperature (LST) data products from thermal infrared (TIR) instruments, including uncertainty estimation and performance characterization
Implement atmospheric correction and radiative transfer modeling to support LST and secondary geophysical products; assess sensitivities to atmospheric state, surface emissivity, and instrument characteristics
Design, implement, and own the data quality control (QC) and validation pipeline for all data products, including defining quality metrics, thresholds, automated checks, monitoring, and anomaly detection
Maintain and extend the data processing codebase for operational delivery of scientific data products, emphasizing scalable workflows, reproducibility, automated testing, and clear documentation
Support optical and system-level modeling to inform both hardware development and data processing; perform optical performance analysis (e.g., MTF, SNR, stray light, distortion) using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or FRED
Translate instrument performance and optical effects into algorithm assumptions, correction strategies, and uncertainty models; collaborate with hardware teams on payload design, integration, testing, and performance trades
Support the design, development, testing, and calibration of high-performance EO payloads for imaging
Support mission design, trade studies, and requirement definition through data-driven analysis; work closely with instrument engineers and end users to ensure data products meet operational needs
Document and communicate results via technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations at internal forums and international conferences
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree in a quantitative field (e.g., Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering)
5+ years of experience in remote sensing, algorithm development, or related data science/engineering roles
Strong background in thermal infrared (TIR) sensing, Land Surface Temperature retrieval, and radiative transfer modeling
Proficiency in Python for production-quality algorithm development and data processing; C++ experience desirable
Experience building scalable data pipelines with emphasis on reproducibility, automated testing, and operational delivery
Strong understanding of calibration and validation methodologies for remote sensing instruments and derived data products
Experience with optical modeling tools (Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, FRED, or similar) and ability to translate instrument performance into algorithm design
Demonstrated experience managing technical programs or projects, preferably government contracts
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation, publications, and customer engagement
Must be US Citizen or Permanent Resident
Must be located near Denver, CO or willing to relocate to Denver, CO
Preferred
Experience with NASA ROSES or other NASA research programs
Background in wildfire detection, land surface temperature retrieval, or related earth science applications
Experience with atmospheric correction algorithms and sensitivity analysis
Experience building data QC systems including monitoring, anomaly detection, and reporting tools
Experience working with DoD customers (Air Force, Army, or other branches)
Familiarity with stratospheric or airborne remote sensing platforms
Track record of peer-reviewed publications in remote sensing or related fields
Benefits
Stock Options
Medical, Vision and Dental
Unlimited Vacation Days
Cell Phone Bill Stipend
Company
Urban Sky
Urban Sky offers a revolution in remote sensing through the new stratospheric microballoon.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$66.21MKey Investors
Altos VenturesNational Science FoundationJet Propulsion Laboratory
2025-02-06Series B· $30M
2023-10-16Series A· $30M
2023-07-31Non Equity Assistance
Leadership Team
Andrew Antonio
Co-Founder & CEO
Jared Leidich
Co-Founder and CTO
Recent News
Google Patent
2025-04-02
Google Patent
2025-02-08
2025-02-08
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