Ground Penetrating Radar Specialist (Antarctica)

Role Summary

Description

The United States Antarctic Program (USAP) has an opening for a Ground Penetrating Radar Specialist supporting National Science Foundation-funded field science in the Antarctic Interior.

This is a physically demanding contractual position supporting field operations in remote Antarctic locations. Candidates must have demonstrated experience assessing glaciological features for safe travel using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) in polar environments, be able to lift up to 35 pounds, and successfully pass a national security background check.

This is for an alternate position, Deployment to Antarctica is required in this role. Deployment length is expected to be for 5 months, starting in October 2026. The candidate in the position must complete the physical and dental examinations required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica.

Due to contract requirements, US Citizenship is required. Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance prior to start date. This process typically can take 2-4 months to complete.

Responsibilities

• Operate Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) systems mounted on sleds, snowmobiles, or tractors to detect crevasses and other subsurface hazards.
• Provide real-time interpretation of GPR data to support safe travel routes.
• Process raw GPR data using software such as GSSI RADAN to produce actionable maps and reports.
• Interpret data to identify hazards and support safe vehicle operations.
• Perform daily maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of GPR equipment, computers, and associated electronics.
• Work outdoors in extreme cold environments for extended periods, including camping in remote locations.
• Interact professionally with the National Science Foundation, subcontractors, military personnel, government agencies, and Antarctica New Zealand.
• Operate snowmobiles, tracked snow vehicles, fleet trucks, and other assigned equipment.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and provide leadership when required.
• Frequently lift, push, and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Maintain a safe work environment and ensure safety remains the highest workplace priority.
• Utilize safe travel techniques in crevassed terrain, including roped travel and GPR-assisted navigation.
• Ensure cargo is returned from the field, cleaned, and delivered to the appropriate work centers before redeployment.
• Prepare written reports following Field Safety assignments.
• Perform equipment operation and fueling duties as required.
• Maintain field sites and equipment for Antarctic conditions.
• Maintain organized camps, follow environmental protocols, and manage waste retrograde activities.
• Occasionally work at high altitudes.
• Resolve field challenges, including personnel and resource limitations, as needed.
• Support camp operations, including cooking, food planning, galley tasks, resupply, and general camp/traverse duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, Geology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience operating GPR systems in glaciated environments.
• Two to four field seasons operating GPR equipment in glaciated environments.
• Strong proficiency with GPR data processing and interpretation software.
• Experience using ice-penetrating radar as a life safety mitigation tool.
• Proficiency with GPR software such as GSSI RADAN, EKKO Project, or similar applications.
• Previous experience working in polar or other remote field environments.
• Familiarity with GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS.
• Experience interpreting satellite imagery and other georeferenced datasets.
• Ability to work independently, as a team member, or in a leadership role with minimal supervision.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating GPS/GNSS data.
• Current CPR certification.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
• Advanced GIS experience working with multiple geospatial data formats.
• Snowmobile operating experience.
• Heavy or tracked vehicle operating experience.
• Experience processing satellite imagery and georeferenced datasets.

Physical and Other Requirements

• Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods.
• Successful completion of NSF-required medical and dental examinations.
• Successful completion of employer-required drug screening and background check.
• Successful completion of the NSF Federal Background Check.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including heavy lifting, climbing, crawling, and working outdoors in extreme cold.
• Participate in community responsibilities, including housekeeping ("house-mouse"), station cleanup ("daisy-picking"), recycling efforts, and safety initiatives.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos' name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

About the Company

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

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HYBRID SCHEDULE: Candidates must live in Framingham, MA office's client servicing territory. MA, CT, NH, RI. (1 - 4 days in office.)

Successful candidates can look forward to a fast paced, diverse work environment and flexible work hours/work arrangements as well as managers who will encourage career development and growth including:

In this role, you can also expect to gain experience in the following: