Satellite Hyperspectral Scientist

The scientist models the complete optical radiative transfer chain, tracing photons from solar illumination through Earth's atmosphere, surface interaction, payload optical telescopes, dispersive prisms or diffraction gratings, and focal plane detector arrays. Conforming to standards established by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites CEOS Working Group on Calibration and Validation, the scientist calibrates sensor smile and keystone optical geometric distortions. They manage pre flight laboratory calibrations using integrating spheres and collimators, along with on orbit vicarious calibrations over instrumented pseudo invariant calibration sites like the Railroad Valley desert playa and Antarctic snow sheets.

While automated radiative transfer codes like MODTRAN and 6S convert top of atmosphere radiances into surface reflectance, satellite instruments experience continuous radiometric degradation in space. Cosmic radiation, optical coating solarization, detector pixel burn in, and thermal drift can degrade signal to noise ratios and shift spectral band center wavelengths. The calibration scientist tracks detector gain degradation, models solar diffuser bidirectional reflectance distribution functions BRDF, and performs cross calibration with benchmark reference satellites like Landsat and Sentinel 2 to guarantee long term climate quality data records.

The day starts at eight thirty in the morning at the satellite operations facility. The scientist reviews on orbit calibration telemetry downloaded from a newly commissioned commercial hyperspectral satellite carrying a two hundred and forty band imaging spectrometer. Yesterday, the satellite executed an automated calibration sequence over the Pacific Ocean, deploying an onboard sunlit solar diffuser panel into the telescope field of view to measure direct extraterrestrial solar irradiance. The scientist inspects the solar diffuser spectral response across all detectors, comparing the measured signal against pre flight laboratory reference values measured with an integrating sphere. They notice a subtle one

point five percent drop in the blue channels around four hundred and fifty nanometers, characteristic of ultraviolet induced solarization on the PTFE diffuser surface. The scientist applies a bidirectional reflectance distribution function BRDF correction model to separate diffuser aging from true detector degradation, updating the master radiometric lookup table. In the afternoon, the scientist processes vicarious calibration data acquired during a clear sky overpass of the Railroad Valley playa calibration site in Nevada. Ground based automated RadCalNet radiometers measured top of atmosphere radiance simultaneously with the satellite pass. Running MODTRAN.

A Satellite Hyperspectral Imaging and Radiometric Calibration Scientist designs, models, calibrates, and validates spaceborne imaging spectrometers that collect hundreds of narrow, contiguous spectral bands across visible, near infrared, and shortwave infrared wavelengths. Operating across space agencies, commercial Earth observation operators, and aerospace research centers, the scientist ensures that satellite optical payloads provide calibrated surface reflectance data used to monitor mineral resources, crop nutrient deficiencies, forest biodiversity, and coastal water quality.

Core responsibilities include calibrate spaceborne imaging spectrometers across hundreds of contiguous spectral channels from 400 to 2500 nanometers., operational coordination, and ensuring strict adherence to Kenyan statutory frameworks and quality standards.

Key organizations hiring for this role include Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority KNRA, Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital KUTRRH, Kenyatta National Hospital KNH Cancer Centre, Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi Oncology Division, alongside expanding opportunities in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and regional infrastructure projects.

Satellite Hyperspectral Scientist Specialist, Senior Satellite Hyperspectral Scientist, Satellite Hyperspectral Scientist Lead, Satellite Hyperspectral Scientist Consultant

While automated radiative transfer codes like MODTRAN and 6S convert top of atmosphere radiances into surface reflectance, satellite instruments experience continuous radiometric degradation in space. Cosmic radiation, optical coating solarization, detector pixel burn in, and thermal drift can degrade signal to noise ratios and shift spectral band center wavelengths. The calibration scientist tracks detector gain degradation, models solar diffuser bidirectional reflectance distribution functions BRDF, and performs cross calibration with benchmark reference satellites like Landsat and Sentinel 2 to guarantee long term climate quality data records. Employment opportunities concentrate across major industrial, commercial, and financial hubs including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret, alongside specialized regional project sites.