Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Research Engineer

Riverside Research is seeking a highly skilled Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Research Engineer to support National Air and Space Intelligence Center mission areas involving infrared sensing, space-based missile warning systems, sensor modeling, advanced data exploitation, and algorithm development. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in EO/IR systems engineering, infrared phenomenology, OPIR data analysis, and software development for sensor exploitation.

This role requires proven experience working with complex sensor systems, developing and testing new analysis capabilities, and collaborating with government, industry, and research partners on next-generation sensing technologies.

• Conduct analysis, exploitation, and modeling of infrared and OPIR sensor data, including SBIRS systems.
• Develop, prototype, and implement advanced data processing algorithms in Python, MATLAB, and other analysis environments.
• Investigate sensor and target phenomenology and develop test plans, sensor collection scenarios, or experiments to address complex detection and tracking challenges.
• Evaluate and troubleshoot data processing workflows, identify anomalies or software logic issues, and coordinate remediation strategies.
• Support development of CONOPS, white papers, technical documentation, and transition plans for emerging sensor capabilities and new processing architectures.
• Collaborate with research organizations, DoD stakeholders, and external agencies to evaluate and integrate emerging sensing and exploitation technologies.

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Computer Engineering, Space Systems, or related technical field.
• 6+ years of experience in EO/IR systems engineering, OPIR analysis, remote sensing, or related mission areas.
• Demonstrated experience with OPIR data formats, processing workflows, or SBIRS exploitation tools
• Strong analytical skills and ability to diagnose sensor performance, data anomalies, and software logic issues.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience collaborating with NASIC or other intelligence community organizations.
• Experience developing CONOPS, technical documentation, or training materials.