Lead Remote Sensing Scientist (Agriculture)

About the Role Our client, a global leader in agricultural technology and data analytics, is seeking a highly specialized Lead Remote Sensing Scientist to join their entirely remote team. This role is integral to developing and deploying advanced remote sensing solutions for agricultural applications worldwide. You will leverage your expertise in satellite imagery, aerial photography, and drone-based data to monitor crop health, assess environmental conditions, optimize resource management, and predict yields. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mindset, exceptional data processing skills, and a deep understanding of agricultural ecosystems. As a remote-first organization, you will collaborate with a dispersed, international team of scientists, engineers, and agronomists, contributing to cutting-edge innovations from your home office. This is a unique opportunity to pioneer advancements in precision agriculture on a global scale. Key Responsibilities Lead the development and implementation of remote sensing methodologies for agricultural applications, including crop monitoring, stress detection, and yield estimation. Process, analyze, and interpret large volumes of geospatial data from various sources (e.g., Sentinel, Landsat, Planet, drone imagery). Develop and refine algorithms for feature extraction, classification, and change detection in agricultural landscapes. Integrate remote sensing data with other sources, such as ground-based sensors and weather data, for comprehensive analysis. Design and manage calibration and validation efforts for remote sensing products. Develop automated workflows and pipelines for efficient data processing and analysis. Mentor junior remote sensing scientists and provide technical guidance to the team. Collaborate closely with agronomists, data scientists, and software engineers to translate data insights into actionable agricultural solutions. Stay abreast of the latest advancements in remote sensing technologies, geospatial analysis, and AI/machine learning applications in agriculture. Communicate technical findings and project outcomes clearly through reports, presentations, and publications. Requirements Ph.D. in Remote Sensing, Geoscience, Geography, Computer Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field with a strong focus on remote sensing applications. Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in remote sensing, with a significant portion dedicated to agricultural applications. Expertise in processing and analyzing multi-spectral, hyper-spectral, and radar imagery using software such as ERDAS IMAGINE, ENVI, Google Earth Engine, or similar platforms. Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and strong geospatial data analysis skills. Demonstrated experience with programming languages relevant to geospatial analysis and machine learning, such as Python (e.g., rasterio, GDAL, scikit-learn) or R. Solid understanding of agricultural principles, crop physiology, and soil science. Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) for large-scale data processing is a plus. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Strong communication and collaboration skills, essential for a remote work environment. Proven ability to lead projects and mentor team members effectively. Benefits Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive remote work benefits package. This includes excellent health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous 401(k) plan with employer match, and flexible paid time off. We foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and professional development, offering opportunities for advanced training and conference attendance. As a fully remote company, you will enjoy the flexibility and autonomy to work from anywhere within the US, collaborating with a world-class team on transformative projects in agriculture.