the education of future experts in image processing. This position is located in Brookings , South Dakota. This is a 12 month, 40%-time, leave-eligible position.

The IPLab actively works with state of the art on-orbit imaging sensors through funded research partnerships with NASA, USGS and with numerous commercial partners. The lab focuses its efforts on developing new and innovative methods of calibration and validation through ground field campaigns, in-situ instruments and a worldwide set of ground reference sites to address the evolving needs of new and upcoming space missions. Once these new methods are validated, they are then integrated into the operational evaluation of on-orbit sensors to implement routine characterization. As an Imaging Engineer, this position will be involved in supporting these activities and working with our partners in devising creative and new techniques for calibration and validation of radiometric optical imagery and applying them to operational sensors to validate or correct the data from these sensors.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Radiometric calibration of satellite and airborne visible and near infrared sensor systems.
• Support field deployments and vicarious calibration collections.
• Troubleshooting and maintenance of filed equipment for optimal deployment and operation.
• Support of externally funded projects through active communication with stakeholders, customers and granting agencies
• Mentor and help direct the research of undergraduate students

BENEFITS: This position is eligible for prorated leave and holiday pay.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters Degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or closely related field to remote sensing or GIS by start date.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in radiometric sensor calibration or related GIS application using remotely sensed optical imaging data.
• Ability to deploy and maintain equipment in the field for satellite calibration.
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes August 17, 2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS: SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date: 08/10/2026

Closing Date: 08/17/2026

Open Until Filled: No

First Consideration Date:

Advertised Salary: The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $30.00 per hour.

Duration of the Term: 12 months

Appointment Percent: 40

Work Hours: Nominal 8-5 M-F, but with the research in satellite calibration, satellites don’t always fly on only weekdays, or 8-5. Some hours outside nominal might be expected.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week:

Appointment Type: Regular

Faculty Status: No

Scope of Search: External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search:

This position requires: Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate:

Department Description and Cultural Expectations: SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information: For questions on the position, contact Larry Leigh, Larry.Leigh@sdstate.edu or 605-688-5918.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements: Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment:

If other protection is used please identify:

Physical Requirements: Carrying, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Reaching, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Walking

Describe any of the conditions selected: The member would need to be able to support field activities, to include the carrying of field measurement equipment, through uneven surfaces.

Sensory Requirements: Color Vision, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures: Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above:

Working Environment: Farm or Grassland Environment, Office Environment

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided:

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Reference List

Optional Documents

the education of future experts in image processing. This position is located in Brookings , South Dakota. This is a 12 month, 40%-time, leave-eligible position.

The IPLab actively works with state of the art on-orbit imaging sensors through funded research partnerships with NASA, USGS and with numerous commercial partners. The lab focuses its efforts on developing new and innovative methods of calibration and validation through ground field campaigns, in-situ instruments and a worldwide set of ground reference sites to address the evolving needs of new and upcoming space missions. Once these new methods are validated, they are then integrated into the operational evaluation of on-orbit sensors to implement routine characterization. As an Imaging Engineer, this position will be involved in supporting these activities and working with our partners in devising creative and new techniques for calibration and validation of radiometric optical imagery and applying them to operational sensors to validate or correct the data from these sensors.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Radiometric calibration of satellite and airborne visible and near infrared sensor systems.
• Support field deployments and vicarious calibration collections.
• Troubleshooting and maintenance of filed equipment for optimal deployment and operation.
• Support of externally funded projects through active communication with stakeholders, customers and granting agencies
• Mentor and help direct the research of undergraduate students

BENEFITS: This position is eligible for prorated leave and holiday pay.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Masters Degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or closely related field to remote sensing or GIS by start date.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in radiometric sensor calibration or related GIS application using remotely sensed optical imaging data.
• Ability to deploy and maintain equipment in the field for satellite calibration.
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Position closes August 17, 2026.

APPLICATION PROCESS: SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Posting Date: 08/10/2026

Closing Date: 08/17/2026

Open Until Filled: No

First Consideration Date:

Advertised Salary: The salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications, starting at $30.00 per hour.

Duration of the Term: 12 months

Appointment Percent: 40

Work Hours: Nominal 8-5 M-F, but with the research in satellite calibration, satellites don’t always fly on only weekdays, or 8-5. Some hours outside nominal might be expected.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week:

Appointment Type: Regular

Faculty Status: No

Scope of Search: External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search:

This position requires: Travel, Overnight stays, Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate:

Department Description and Cultural Expectations: SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.

Contact Information: For questions on the position, contact Larry Leigh, Larry.Leigh@sdstate.edu or 605-688-5918.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements: Analyzing, Comprehend, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-average, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment:

If other protection is used please identify:

Physical Requirements: Carrying, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Reaching, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Walking

Describe any of the conditions selected: The member would need to be able to support field activities, to include the carrying of field measurement equipment, through uneven surfaces.

Sensory Requirements: Color Vision, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)

Working Conditions & Exposures: Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc), Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above:

Working Environment: Farm or Grassland Environment, Office Environment

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided:

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Reference List

Optional Documents