Principal Scientist / Automated Image Analysis

Principal Scientist / Automated Image Analysis



 



SUMMARY:

The Principal Scientist / Automated Image Analysis will be responsible for leading DigitalGlobe’s research and development program of automated image analysis technologies, with a strong emphasis on approaches for automated detection of changes in electro-optical imagery from heterogenous satellite and airborne sensors.

 

For someone desiring to work in this space, DigitalGlobe is “where the data is”. DG has the largest archive of unclassified high resolution satellite and aerial imagery, it operates the largest and highest resolution commercial remote sensing satellite constellation, and is building out one of the largest image processing infrastructures in the world. The position has the opportunity to be career-defining for the right candidate.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Leading DigitalGlobe’s R&D efforts in this area has two elements. The first, as an individual contributor, focuses on developing / leading the development of algorithms and software prototypes. The second, as a technical leader, focuses on developing and managing multiple R&D partnerships with researchers from academia, government and industry, and on evaluating and incorporating these results. The split between these two elements is TBD, but as the ideal candidate is motivated by finding the fastest path to practical application of advanced technology, a significant fraction of time will likely be spent as a technical leader.

 

The Principal Scientist will work with the CTO, the Senior Director of R&D, and representatives from DigitalGlobe’s business units to define problem areas / business opportunities that can be enabled by well-scoped R&D projects, and then execute these projects using a mix of corporate and external funding. Successful R&D projects may then be implemented by DigitalGlobe’s software engineering team as guided by the Principal Scientist.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

 

The ideal candidate will be recognized as a significant contributor to the state of the art in automated change detection in overhead electro-optical images, be very familiar / current with ongoing research throughout the community, and have experience in translating leading-edge research into prototypes that have subsequently made their way into production software. This candidate will be strongly motivated by the ability to bring technology into practice in an innovative company such as DigitalGlobe.

 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:At least 5 years experience (more desired) as a researcher in this problem domain Advanced technical degree (preferably Ph.D.) in a related domain (e.g., electrical engineering, computer science, remote sensing) requiredCollaborative; able to work well with others. In particular, is motivated to find the best / fastest approach to solving a problem regardless of who invented it, and who is open to the ideas and contributions of othersStrong written and spoken communications skills. These are particularly important given the collaborative nature of the position.The ideal candidate will have experienced the difference between clean theory and messy practice, i.e., will have experience in rapid prototyping of image processing algorithms and in working with software engineers to convert those prototypes into production codeHigh degree of personal and professional integrity; proactively manages problems and works collaboratively with management to resolve themVery hands-on, enjoys working in a collaborative small team environmentExperienced in working on R&D projects with other organizations, ideally internationallyUS citizenship desired

http://www.digitalglobe.com/index.php/19/Careers

 

DIGITALGLOBE

Today, DigitalGlobe employs more than 400 people and has established itself as the leader in satellite imagery and geospatial information products. DigitalGlobe is the first and only company operating a constellation of sub-meter commercial imaging satellites and is leading the industry into the next generation of commercial satellite imaging.

 

DigitalGlobe’s commitment to collecting the most accurate and high resolution imagery, and making it accessible from any place on earth, has widened the use and derived benefit of imagery for defense, commercial and civil government applications worldwide.  DigitalGlobe products have countless uses in market areas such as exploration and production, location based services, city and regional planning, real estate and retail, infrastructure mapping, internet portals, natural resource, environmental and humanitarian monitoring, emergency response planning defense and intelligence and 3D visual simulation.

 

DigitalGlobe has established itself as the industry leader through the technical superiority of its satellite systems and its high standards regarding product quality, customer service and business partner relationships, as well as its entrepreneurial spirit and “easy-to-work with” business style.

 

DigitalGlobe content delivers increased knowledge and insight, whether it is identifying minerals hidden in the earth surface, assisting in infrastructure development and engineering, mapping remote regions of the world or assisting in emergency response to the world’s natural disasters.

 

DigitalGlobe was founded in 1992 as an Earth imaging and information company and was the first company to ever receive a high-resolution commercial remote sensing license from the U.S. Government under the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act. The company currently operates the world’s highest-resolution commercial satellite constellation with QuickBird and the first of two next-generation satellites, WorldView-1. The company plans to complete construction of its second next-generation satellite, WorldView-2 in late 2008. 


Because DigitalGlobe was founded by geographic information systems (GIS) and mapping users, the company understands its customers’ unique needs for geospatial information products for a number of mapping and planning applications. While DigitalGlobe’s formidable leadership has ensured solid financing, world-class management and legendary marketing vision, the company’s customer-friendly culture positions DigitalGlobe as the industry’s “go-to” provider of geospatial information products and services. Many of its current managers and employees are former intelligence and military professionals who bring year’s worth of user experience to the company.

 

WorldView-1, with its superior increase in capability and capacity, and QuickBird, DigitalGlobe’s other high-resolution satellite, together operate as the world’s highest-resolution commercial satellite constellation.  Combined with DigitalGlobe’s aerial program, the company collects more than 1 million km2 of imagery per day and is made available quickly and easily to support applications ranging from remote sensing to high quality print downloads.