Principal Algorithm Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis)

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Long Beach, CA seeks a Principal Algorithm Engineer to develop and deploy advanced EO/IR image-processing algorithms for space payloads. You will work with multidisciplinary teams on machine learning, optical design, and space vehicle modeling to prototype processing pipelines for next-generation sensors.

Ideal candidates have a strong background in image processing and computer vision, are proficient in Python, and can lead technical efforts while communicating

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in physics, optical sciences, CS, math, EE, or related field with image processing/EOIR experience.
• Strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing EO/IR image-processing algorithms.
• Clear communication skills and ability to present results to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and deploy EO/IR image-processing algorithms for space payloads.
• Collaborate with ML, optical design, and space vehicle modeling teams.
• Prototype processing claims for next‑generation space payloads and transition to real-time implementations.
• Analyze large EO/IR datasets to extract analytics and assess algorithm performance.
• Document and present results to government customers and stakeholders.
• Travel or off‑site work as needed.

Skills

Python

Image processing

Computer vision

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree + 12+ yrs

Master's degree + 8+ yrs

Ph.D. + 5+ yrs

Tools

C/C++

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 Long Beach, CA, 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.