Data Scientist

ABOUT LITTLE PLACE LABS

Little Place Labs is reimagining how satellites process and deliver intelligence from orbit. We specialize in satellite edge computing, developing advanced solutions that process data directly on board, enabling real-time analysis, rapid decision-making, and a significant reduction in data downlink needs. Our vision is to turn satellites into autonomous, intelligent systems that don't just capture data, but interpret it instantly. This capability unlocks critical advantages across defense, environmental monitoring, and global communications, providing insights with speed, efficiency, and security right from space.

Based across the US, Europe, and India, our team works on solving complex challenges in earth observation, space situational awareness, and autonomous satellite operations. Our rapidly growing team of mission-driven, space enthusiasts is passionate, innovative, and committed to a better future for planet Earth, the little place that we all call home.

POSITION SUMMARY

For candidates based in India only.

As the Data Scientist and reporting to the Head of Data Science, you will be a part of the India development team of the LPL's space data analytics product Orbitfy, explore different use cases for the technology, and work closely with the CTO to strategize the product and the company's roadmap for the next 3-4 years.

Little Place Lab's data science team is the heart and the brain of our product development, offering space-derived analytics as the source of truth for key stakeholders so they can make critical and timely decisions.

We're looking for someone who is hands-on, embraces AI tools in day-to-day workflows, and leverages them to boost productivity and accelerate results. You will work closely with engineering, product, and the CTO to apply sophisticated modeling techniques to a modern data stack and build the future of Space Edge Computing.

This is a remote-first role, requiring excellent communication skills to coordinate with global teams and external partners. Some travel within India or internationally may be required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- AI-Driven Development: Proactively use modern AI tools to enhance productivity across the data science lifecycle (data wrangling, model design, testing, documentation, etc.).
- Algorithm Development: Design and implement state-of-the-art computer vision and ML models for satellite imagery (optical, SAR, multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal).
- Model Optimization: Train and fine-tune deep learning models for edge deployment (on-board satellites), balancing performance with efficiency, power, and computational constraints.
- Provide MLOps, orchestration, and workflow best practices.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with GIS engineers, software teams, and product managers to integrate ML solutions into Orbitfy's broader pipeline.
- Innovation & Research: Stay ahead of emerging trends in Edge AI, ML, and remote sensing, and translate them into practical solutions for space applications.
- Data Handling: Process large, complex datasets from diverse sensors; design robust preprocessing, augmentation, and feature extraction workflows.
- Communication & Reporting: Clearly articulate technical concepts, results, and trade-offs to both technical and non-technical stakeholders in a distributed team.
- Quality & Validation: Ensure robustness, reliability, and reproducibility of solutions through systematic testing, benchmarking, and validation.
- Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed documentation of algorithms, models, and processes; prepare reports and presentations for technical and non-technical audiences.

SUCCESS METRICS

- Delivery of LPL's machine learning modules on schedule for satellite missions or user trials.
- Work on the deployment of LPL's products for multiple satellite missions.
- Demonstrated productivity gains and accelerated project outcomes through the adoption of AI tools.
- Effective collaboration and communication across distributed teams.
- Contributions that shape the product roadmap and strengthen Little Place Labs' position in edge-based space intelligence.

REQUIREMENTS

- Education: Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.
- Experience: 3–8 years in data science, with demonstrated hands-on experience in computer vision, image processing, or machine learning.
- Technical Skills:

> Strong in Python; experience with frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenCV.

> General Software engineering: cloud infrastructure, Docker, git best practices, etc.

> Exposure to C/C++, CUDA, ONNX, TensorRT, OpenVINO, or FPGA acceleration is a plus.

> Experience with architectures such as CNNs, ViTs, GANs and foundational models etc

> Experience with model compression is a plus..

- Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with satellite imagery and remote sensing preferred (but not mandatory if strong ML background).
- Good understanding of embedded systems from the perspective of deploying AI.
- Edge AI Focus: Experience or keen interest in deploying models in constrained environments (e.g., embedded systems, on-board devices).
- Experience or understanding of FPGAs is desirable, not mandatory.
- Experience working with NVIDIA Jetson and Xilinx Versal will be a big plus. Candidates with such experience will be preferred.
- Soft Skills:

> Ability to work independently in a remote-first setup.

> Excellent communication skills to bridge technical and product conversations across geographies.

> Curiosity, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Individuals seeking employment at Little Place Labs are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

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