About the role

As a Remote Sensing Data Scientist, you will make an impact by transforming complex satellite and aerial imagery into actionable insights that enhance agricultural decision-making at scale. You will be a valued member of our data science team and work collaboratively with agronomists, biologists, field operations, and digital product partners to develop advanced remote sensing solutions.

In this role, you will:

• Apply foundational and advanced remote sensing techniques—spanning image analysis, geospatial analytics, machine learning, and deep learning—to extract insights from multispectral, hyperspectral, and SAR datasets.
• Build, validate, and operationalize predictive and prescriptive analytics models that improve efficiency, reliability, and outcomes within agricultural operations.
• Design and maintain scalable pipelines for imagery ingestion, preprocessing, feature engineering, modeling, and deployment.
• Produce clear, comprehensive documentation covering problem framing, data requirements, modeling methodology, validation, and operationalization.
• Adhere to data science best practices, including code reviews, reproducibility, testing, and version control.

Work model: Remote (United States)

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in the United States. Regardless of your working arrangement, we support a healthy work-life balance through our wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• Ph.D. or M.S. (with 4+ years of experience) in Remote Sensing, Geospatial Science, Data Science, Agronomy, Imagery & Robotics, or a related field.
• Hands-on expertise with remote sensing datasets and image processing techniques such as atmospheric correction, orthorectification, segmentation, and feature extraction.
• Proficiency with geospatial tools (e.g., GDAL, Rasterio, GeoPandas) and spatial data formats.
• Strong experience applying ML/DL approaches to imagery, including CNNs, semantic segmentation, object detection, time-series modeling, and emerging foundational models.
• Solid understanding of agricultural systems, crop development, environmental influences, and agronomic workflows, with the ability to contextualize imagery-derived insights.
• Experience using cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP) for scalable data processing and deployment.
• Strong Python programming skills and familiarity with ML/DL frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenCV, scikit‑learn). Proficiency in SQL and best practices in version control, testing, and reproducible workflows.
• Strong communication, collaboration, curiosity, and a high sense of ownership, particularly when translating complex findings for non‑technical audiences.

These will help you stand out

• Experience collaborating directly with agronomists, field teams, or scientists on agricultural analytics challenges.
• Familiarity with AI‑assisted coding tools for rapid prototyping.
• Applied experience deploying production-grade geospatial ML/DL models in cloud environments.
• Background working with large-scale imagery workflows in operational settings.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation through new modeling, feature extraction, or remote sensing methodologies.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don’t hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique strengths that can bring fresh ideas to this role.

*Please note this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future*

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until March 29, 2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $ 68,000 - $ 109,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

401(k) plan and contributions

Long-term/Short-term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

The Cognizant community:
We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

• Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.
• We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen.
• We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right.
• We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.

About us:
Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn how Cognizant helps clients lead with digital at www.cognizant.com

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Disclaimer:
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.