Operations Manager (TS/SCI)

Figure Eight Federal (F8F): Leading the Future of AI Training Data

Figure Eight Federal (F8F) provides accurate and reliable human annotated datasets that fuel AI and machine learning for some of the world’s biggest brands. With more than 25 years of industry knowledge, F8F’s technology powers many of the AI interactions we experience every day. Our solutions and expertise empower our clients to achieve their AI goals and make a significant impact in their industry.

We are seeking an exceptional Operations Manager who will oversee the workflows and production of annotations and labels for Electro-Optical (EO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, as well as video, within a controlled environment. Ensures efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of annotations and label datasets using geographic information sciences. The manager will implement strategic initiatives to optimize workflows, maintain quality standards, and drive continuous improvement in annotation processes. In charge of leading a large team responsible for EO/SAR annotations and labeling with a strong blend of skills and knowledge areas to ensure efficiency, quality, and workforce motivation. Approaches to streamline processes can be strategic but a need for tactical decisions with efforts to reduce errors, and optimize team performance, will require having critical skills and knowledge. This role is central to delivering high-quality, high-volume training datasets tailored for computer vision and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) applications.

Supervises between

100–130 data annotation specialists, coordinating production activities across structured pods that include analysts, data specialists, QC engineers, trainers, and tiered reviewers. Drives operational excellence in annotation job design, production management, quality control, and dataset delivery, while ensuring continuous alignment with customer goals and national security priorities.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degreein geographic information science, computer vision, remote sensing, computer science or related fields. An associate’s degree with a relevant GIS certification or 10+ years military imagery intelligence or10+ years military geospatial analysis / engineeringcan be substituted for a Bachelor's degree.

5+ years ofexperience in geospatial analysiswith specific expertise in satellite imagery interpretation.

Demonstrated proficiency in working with EO/IR and SAR imagery types.

Demonstrated success leading large-scale production teams and managing operational delivery within a technical or data-intensive environment.

Experience with common geospatial software platforms (i.e. QGIS, ESRI ArcGIS, ENVI, ERDAS).

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail for pattern recognition in geographic data, products, and services.

Knowledge of cloud computing services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for scalable deployment.

MUST be a US Citizen.

MUST possess a Secret clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI

Desired Qualifications:

Masters's degreein geographic information science, computer vision, remote sensing, computer science or related fields. A bachelor’s degree with a relevant GIS or GEOINT Professional certification or20+ yearsmilitary imagery intelligenceor 20+ yearsmilitary geospatial analysis / engineeringcan be substituted for a bachelor's degree.

10+ years ofexperience in geospatial analysiswith specific expertise in satellite imagery interpretation.

Familiarity withAI-assisted annotation toolsandmachine learning applications.

Experience working with geospatial data and remote sensing technologies.

Knowledge ofindustry-specific compliance and security protocols.

Prior experiencedelivering government contracts, especially for NGA or IC/DoD missions.

Proven ability tolead organizational scaling effortsunder dynamic mission conditions.

Familiarity withhuman-in-the-loop (HITL) systems, annotation platforms, and quality review pipelines.

Knowledge of satellite imagery analysis.

Proficiency in remote sensing techniques and image classification.

Familiarity with Python, R, MATLAB and libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenCV.

Familiarity with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)s, object detection, segmentation, and classification models.

Familiarity with REST APIs and integrating models into web-based applications.

Knowledge of satellite imagery analysis and deep learning models.

Possess a Top-Secret /SCI clearance. 

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee daily operations of seven pods (a.k.a. annotation teams), ensuring optimal performance and output.

Manage and mentor data labelers, providing training and performance feedback.

Monitor quality assurance processes with automated and manual quality checks to maintain high annotation accuracy.

Optimize workflows to improve turnaround time and reduce errors with software tools to streamline annotation processes and improve efficiency.

Coordinate with data scientists and engineers to refine annotation guidelines.

Implement tools and technologies to streamline annotation processes.

Maintain documentation and reporting for operational efficiency tracking.

Leadership in object detection, segmentation, and classification to guide annotation teams.

Experience of AI/ML workflows, including how labeled data is used to train models.

Lead, coach, and manage a multidisciplinary team, fostering high morale and a culture of operational excellence.

Monitor throughput, labor utilization, and resource allocation to ensure timely and cost-effective dataset production.

Handling large-scale datasets, ensuring proper storage, retrieval, and security.

Serve as the secondary liaison with customers, incorporating feedback to adapt and enhance annotation workflows and delivery plans.

Track and report on key performance indicators, including cost-per-label, time-to-production, and annotation accuracy.

Contribute to solutioning, capture, and business development activities that expand and evolve the data annotation mission.

Strategic Responsibilities:

Vision & AI Strategy Development

Leadership & Team Management

AI Model Deployment & Optimization

Compliance & Risk Management

Research & Industry Contributions

Knowledge Areas:

Computer Vision

Data labeling and attribution

Production and delivery processes

Industry regulations and compliance

Workforce engagement and labor laws

Cost control and financial management

Quality assurance and Six Sigma methodologies

Office and facility management

Compliance with OSHA reporting requirements for workplace injuries and incidents

Demand forecasting and supply chain logistics

Additional Information

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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