InSAR R&D Engineer (Contract)

About the role

This is a scoped, part time contractor role focused on improving specific components of an existing InSAR pipeline. We already know the key problem areas. The work is to pick them up, solve them properly, and integrate improvements back into the system.

Responsibilities

• Depending on fit and priority, scopes may include:
• Improving atmospheric correction methods across C band, L band, and X band data
• Investigating and improving co registration performance and diagnostics
• Enhancing interferogram quality control and error detection
• Improving calibration workflows using GNSS and validation sites
• Supporting unwrapping related R&D and quality assessment
• Testing and integrating methods from research into the pipeline
• Evaluating processing tradeoffs across sensors, DEMs, and stack configurations
• Contributing to scalable processing components for large area workflows
• Take ownership of a defined technical scope and propose an approach
• Review relevant literature and existing pipeline behavior
• Implement and test solutions in Python within a Linux environment
• Work with the team to validate outputs against real world data such as GNSS and reference sites
• Document results, limitations, and next steps
• Deliver work that can be integrated into the production pipeline

Requirements

We are looking for someone who has worked hands on with InSAR processing and can operate close to the core pipeline. This role is focused on solving real technical problems in a production system, not just analyzing outputs.

• Hands on experience with InSAR processing including interferograms, co registration, atmospheric effects, unwrapping, and calibration
• Comfortable working close to the processing pipeline, not just GIS or visualization layers
• Ability to take a method or idea and implement it into a working solution
• Strong Python skills and comfort working in Linux environments
• Experience with Git and collaborative development workflows
• Ability to debug real world issues such as noise, coherence loss, and DEM errors
• Familiarity with SNAP, ISCE, StaMPS, Gamma, or similar tools
• Experience working with multiple SAR sensors such as Sentinel 1, TerraSAR X, COSMO SkyMed, or SAOCOM
• Experience with cloud or batch processing environments such as AWS or Docker
• Experience with validation approaches such as GNSS, corner reflectors, or ground truth data

Qualifications

Not a pure researcher or generic GIS profile. Looking for someone who can both understand the science and build systems.

Skills

Not applicable for this role.

Benefits

Not applicable for this role.

Pay

Not applicable for this role.

Schedule

Part time contractor role up to around 20 hours per week.

Additional Information

Initial engagement of up to 6-12 months with potential extension.

What we offer

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