Forward Deployed Geospatial Engineer - SAR Intelligence, Portugal Verified today
The Role
Forward Deployed Geospatial Engineer, SAR Intelligence. Based in Lisbon, Portugal. Hybrid (approximately 50% on-site at customer locations). Reports to VP, Forward Deployed Engineering.
You will bridge SAR physics and operational intelligence, ensuring defense and intelligence customers extract maximum tactical value from ICEYE's satellite imagery. Embedded with intelligence analysts and military operators, you will operationalize ICEYE's ISR Suite, configure automated detection workflows, and translate raw SAR data into actionable intelligence for immediate situational awareness across maritime and land domains.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
SAR Data Operationalization
- Train and support intelligence analysts using SAR imagery for tactical missions (maritime, ground, infrastructure)
- Configure and optimize ICEYE ISR Suite for customer use cases and mission-relevant outputs
- QA/validate SAR imagery products to meet operational requirements
Custom Geospatial Workflows
- Develop Python geospatial automation (GDAL, Rasterio, NumPy) tailored to customer needs
- Integrate ICEYE SAR data into customer COP environments (ArcGIS, QGIS, proprietary platforms)
- Implement automated detection/alerting for priority intelligence requirements (dark vessels, border anomalies, change detection)
Customer Engagement & Training
- Serve as SAR/geospatial SME for defense and intelligence customers
- Deliver training on SAR fundamentals, interpretation, and platform capabilities
- Provide embedded, real-time analytical support on watch floors and ops centers during missions
Product Feedback & Innovation
- Capture operational feedback and translate into actionable product and engineering requirements
- Document use cases, methods, and best practices for team reuse
- Surface opportunities for new capabilities aligned to mission needs
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) or equivalent experience in Remote Sensing, Geophysics, GIS, Geography, or related technical field
- Understanding of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) physics, including polarimetry, interferometry, and imaging modes
- Strong programming skills in Python for geospatial and earth observation data processing (GDAL, Rasterio, NumPy, GeoPandas)
- Hands-on experience analyzing and interpreting satellite imagery for intelligence or operational applications
- Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken) with ability to deliver effective training and technical presentations
- C2/near-native proficiency in Portuguese
- Willingness to travel 30-50% to customer sites within the region
- Must be eligible and able to attain relevant national and NATO security clearances
- Must be based in Portugal (in-country)
Desirable Experience
- Experience working in defense, intelligence, or government operational environments
- Familiarity with maritime domain awareness (AIS data, vessel detection, port monitoring)
- Experience with change detection, object detection, or automated feature extraction from satellite imagery
- Knowledge of geospatial data standards and formats (GeoTIFF, COG, GeoJSON, KML)
- Understanding of military intelligence collection requirements and processes (PIR, CCIRs)
About ICEYE
ICEYE delivers space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to governments and allied nations. The company operates the world's largest SAR satellite constellation, providing near real-time data that creates a tactical advantage for mission-critical operations. ICEYE has more than 900 employees and operates internationally with offices in Finland, Poland, Spain, Japan, the UAE, Greece, Germany, and the US.
Application Process
- Talent Acquisition Interview
- Take-home task
- Hiring Manager Interview
- Hiring Team Interview
- Offer Decision