Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Research Engineer

Riverside Overview

Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.    All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.  

Position Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

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.

Global Comp

$145,000 - $170,000 This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

Closing Statement

  Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.  Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees. Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.