Principal Algorithm Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis)

Rocket Lab; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Chantilly, VA seeks a Senior Principal Algorithm Engineer for EO/IR image analysis to develop and deploy advanced algorithms for space payloads. You will lead image-processing pipelines and collaborate across ML, optical design, and space vehicle modeling teams.

You will optimize real-time EO/IR processing, validate algorithms, and present results to government customers, with responsibilities including documentation, system performance, and field support. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience, master's with 8+ years, or Ph.D. with 5+ years in physics, optical sciences, CS, math or engineering with EO/IR experience.
• Strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing image processing and computer vision algorithms for EO/IR sensors.
• Broad CV experience: image stabilization/registration, 3-D modeling, pose reconstruction, object detection/tracking, background suppression.
• Proficiency in Python with strong programming skills.
• Experience in image-system modeling and simulation.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to document work and present results.
• Leadership skills and ability to contribute to a high-performance team.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate EO/IR image-processing chains and support deployment into real-time implementations on space-based sensor payloads.
• Apply physics of optical sensors to develop modeling and simulation frameworks for mission imagery.
• Use simulation frameworks to synthesize imagery for ML training and algorithm validation.
• Apply classical and deep learning approaches to detect and track low-SNR objects in EO/IR imagery.
• Collaborate with software/firmware teams to transition algorithms into high-performance real-time implementations.
• Support and enhance operational programs, maintain deployed algorithms, troubleshoot fielded systems, ensure performance and reliability.
• Analyze large EO/IR datasets to extract analytics and assess algorithm performance.
• Document and present results to government customers and stakeholders.
• Attend technical meetings and represent the organization in project development matters.
• Support travel or off-site work as needed.

Skills

Python

Computer Vision

Image Processing

EO/IR

Deep Learning

Real-time Systems

C/C++

Education

Bachelor's degree + 12+ years experience

Master's degree + 8+ years

Ph.D. + 5+ years

Tools

Python

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help get to space — our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

PRINCIPAL ALGORITHM ENGINEER - (EO/IR IMAGE ANALYSIS)

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 for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will develop, validate, and deploy advanced algorithms for advanced EO/IR space payloads, with an emphasis on image processing, object detection, and tracking. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in machine learning, optical design, and space vehicle modeling and simulation as well as design and protype processing claims for next-generation space payloads.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Develop, optimize, and validate complex EO/IR image-processing chains and support their deployment into real-time implementations on space-based sensor payloads.
• Bring your understanding of the physics of optical sensors and image formation to develop and optimize modeling and simulation frameworks to simulation mission imagery.
• Use these simulation frameworks to synthesize mission imagery to support machine learning training and image algorithm validation.
• Apply classical and modern (deep learning) approaches to detect and track low-SNR objects within EO/IR imagery for mission-critical applications.
• Work with software and firmware teams to transition complex image-processing algorithms into high-performance, real-time implementations.
• Support and enhance existing operational programs, including maintaining and improving deployed algorithms, troubleshooting fielded systems, and ensuring ongoing system performance and reliability.
• Analyze large and complex EO/IR datasets to extract analytics and assess algorithm performance.
• 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.
• Support travel or off-site work, as needed.

YOU’LL BRING THSES QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRINCIPAL ALGORITHM ENGINEER

• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience, master's degree with 8+ years of experience, or Ph.D. with 5+ years of experience in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.
• Strong experience in designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing image processing and computer vision algorithms for EO/IR sensors.
• Broad experience in areas of computer vision, such as image stabilization/registration, 3-D multi-view camera modeling, pose reconstruction (bundle adjustment), object detection and tracking, and background suppression.
• Proficiency in Python with strong programming skills.
• Demonstrated experience image-system modeling and simulation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document technical work and present results to diverse audiences.
• Ability to contribute to a high-performance team.
• Leadership skills supporting the completion of program and project milestones.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Experience with modern, deep-learning-based approaches to computer vision.
• Experience with space-looking or space-based imaging systems.
• Experience with sensor calibration procedures (radiometric, geometric, temporal) for EO/IR systems.
• Proficiency in C/C++
• 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.
• TS/SCI security clearance

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.