Principal Algorithm Engineer (EO/IR)

Rocket Lab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Principal Algorithm Engineer to lead EO/IR image analysis, pattern recognition, and algorithm deployment for space payloads.

You will develop, validate, and integrate algorithms using MATLAB, Python, and C/C++, and collaborate with government customers to ensure mission success.

The role emphasizes building robust software tools, analyzing large EO/IR datasets, and communicating results to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field with image processing or EO/IR experience.
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• 12+ years of professional experience in relevant domains.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize EO/IR image processing and pattern recognition algorithms.
• Detect, classify, and track objects in EO/IR data for mission-critical tasks.
• Build modeling libraries and synthetic data to support testing and validation.
• Improve deployed algorithms and ensure system performance and reliability.
• Document results and present to government customers and stakeholders.
• Collaborate across software, systems engineering, and mission teams.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Image processing

EO/IR

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, CS, math, EE

Master's degree or PhD preferred

Tools

Git

Linux

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Principal Algorithm Engineer of EO/IR image analysis and pattern recognition for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will develop, validate, and deploy algorithms for advanced image processing, object detection, and tracking EO/IR space payloads.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Develop, validate, and optimize algorithms for EO/IR sensor data, including a broad range of image processing techniques such as noise reduction, image enhancement, image registration, correction, and pattern recognition.
• Apply pattern recognition techniques to detect, classify, and track objects in EO/IR data for mission-critical applications.
• Build and enhance modeling and simulation libraries, including the development and utilization of image simulators to generate synthetic EO/IR data for algorithm development, testing, and validation in support of EO/IR payload missions.
• Support and enhance existing operational programs, including maintaining and improving deployed algorithms, troubleshooting fielded systems, and ensuring ongoing system performance and reliability.
• Implement and test algorithm improvements in deployed systems to support ongoing mission needs.
• Apply strong programming skills (MATLAB, Python, C/C++) to develop robust solutions for real-world mission problems.
• Analyze large and complex EO/IR datasets to extract features, identify patterns, and assess algorithm performance.
• Develop and document software tools for data collection, analysis, and performance assessment.
• Decompose high-level customer requirements into algorithm and subsystem requirements to inform software and systems engineering execution.
• Document and present algorithm performance results to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including government customers.
• Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in matters pertaining to project development.
• Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules.
• Support travel or off-site work, as needed.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRINCIPAL ALGORITHM ENGINEER

• Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• 12+ years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for analysis, modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
• Strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing algorithms for EO/IR sensors, with a focus on image processing and pattern recognition.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document technical work and present results to diverse audiences.
• Ability to contribute to the completion of programs and project milestones.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Master's degree or PhD in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with pattern recognition methods for EO/IR applications, including feature extraction, classification, and tracking.
• Experience with sensor calibration procedures (radiometric, geometric, temporal) for EO/IR systems.
• Expertise in modeling and simulation, including multiple EO/IR phenomenologies.
• Experience across all phases of product development, including proposal design architectures, requirements generation, design development, integration, verification, and transition to production.
• Experience managing or leading others in a technical and/or functional capacity within an engineering environment.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.