Junior EO/IR Algorithm Developer

Leidos; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos Defense Systems is seeking a Junior EO/IR Algorithm Developer in Huntsville, AL to join a multidisciplinary team. You will develop, prototype, and refine algorithms for object detection, recognition, and tracking in EO/IR imagery, with transition to production-level C++ applications.

The role involves applying traditional CV methods and deep learning approaches, evaluating performance, and collaborating with leadership, test teams, and modeling groups to meet data and performance

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience with Python for scientific computing and algorithm prototyping (NumPy, SciPy, scikit-Image, OpenCV, scikit-learn, PyTorch, or TensorFlow).
• Familiarity with C++ development and willingness to grow toward production-quality implementation.
• Foundational knowledge of image processing and computer vision techniques (e.g. filtering, segmentation, feature extraction, optical flow).
• Basic understanding of deep learning methods for detection/recognition/tracking.
• Ability to analyze algorithm performance, identify limitations, and clearly communicate findings.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with version control (Git), JIRA, Agile workflows, and software engineering fundamentals.
• Candidate must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area.
• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and possess (and be able to maintain) a Final Secret Clearance or meet the eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop, prototype, and refine algorithms for object detection, recognition and tracking in EO/IR imagery.
• Implement algorithms in Python for rapid prototyping and transition mature designs into production-level C++ applications.
• Apply conventional computer vision and image processing methods, as well as deep learning-based approaches (CNNs, transformer models, etc.).
• Evaluate algorithm effectiveness using quantitative metrics and qualitative analysis; characterize algorithm limitations and performance sensitivities.
• Work closely with program leadership, test teams, and modeling & simulation groups to communicate data needs, test conditions, and performance expectations.
• Prepare technical documentation, present algorithm results and support integration into ATA/ATR software stacks.
• Contribute to dataset creation, labeling strategies, and data management workflows as needed.
• Collaborate with senior algorithm developers on system architecture and design improvements.

Skills

Python prototyping

C++ development

Image processing

Deep learning

Git version control

Communication

Agile workflows

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Software Engineering/Computer Science

Tools

NumPy

SciPy

scikit-image

OpenCV

scikit-learn

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Git

JIRA

Job description

Description

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. 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!

Leidos’ Defense Systems, Advanced Sensors and Protective Technologies Portfolio is seeking a talented Junior EO/IR Algorithm Developer to join a multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions to complex engineering challenges in our Huntsville, AL location. This role supports the development of automated target acquisition (ATA) and automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithms for EO/IR sensor systems.

The Advanced Sensors and Protective Technologies Portfolio develops and evaluates EO/IR sensor systems and protection capabilities that improve threat detection, survivability, and overall mission effectiveness. We focus on advancing sensor system technologies through algorithm development, real-world testing, modeling and simulation, and performance analysis to help transition emerging sensor solutions into operational systems.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world’s toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions. To explore and learn more,

Primary Responsibilities.

• Develop, prototype, and refine algorithms for object detection, recognition and tracking in EO/IR imagery.
• Implement algorithms in Python for rapid prototyping and transition mature designs into production-level C++ applications.
• Apply conventional computer vision and image processing methods, as well as deep learning-based approaches (CNNs, transformer models, etc.).
• Evaluate algorithm effectiveness using quantitative metrics and qualitative analysis; characterize algorithm limitations and performance sensitivities.
• Work closely with program leadership, test teams, and modeling & simulation groups to communicate data needs, test conditions, and performance expectations.
• Prepare technical documentation, present algorithm results and support integration into ATA/ATR software stacks.
• Contribute to dataset creation, labeling strategies, and data management workflows as needed.
• Collaborate with senior algorithm developers on system architecture and design improvements.

Basic Qualifications.

• Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 0+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with Python for scientific computing and algorithm prototyping (NumPy, SciPy, scikit-Image, OpenCV, scikit-learn, PyTorch, or TensorFlow).
• Familiarity with C++ development and willingness to grow toward production-quality implementation.
• Foundational knowledge of image processing and computer vision techniques (e.g. filtering, segmentation, feature extraction, optical flow).
• Basic understanding of deep learning methods for detection/recognition/tracking.
• Ability to analyze algorithm performance, identify limitation, and clearly communicate findings.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with version control (Git), JIRA, Agile workflows, and software engineering fundamentals.
• Candidate must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area.
• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and possess (and be able to maintain) a Final Secret Clearance or meet the eligibility