Principal Algorithm Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis)

Rocketlab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ seeks a Principal Algorithm Engineer for EO/IR image analysis to develop, validate, and deploy advanced algorithms for space payloads, with emphasis on image processing, object detection, and tracking.

You will collaborate with ML, optical design, and space vehicle modeling teams, transition algorithms into real-time software, and present performance results to diverse stakeholders including government customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience 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 experience in computer vision topics: image stabilization/registration, 3-D multi-view modeling, pose reconstruction (bundle adjustment), object detection/tracking, background suppression.
• Proficiency in Python with strong programming skills.
• Experience in image-system modeling and simulation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to present results to diverse audiences.
• Ability to contribute to a high-performance team and lead others.
• U.S. citizenship required for program.
• Ability to obtain/maintain U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate complex EO/IR image-processing chains and support deployment into real-time implementations on space-based sensor payloads.
• Leverage physics of optical sensors and image formation to develop modeling/simulation frameworks for mission imagery.
• Use simulations to synthesize mission imagery for ML training and algorithm validation.
• Apply classical and modern deep learning approaches to detect and track low-SNR objects in EO/IR imagery for critical applications.
• Collaborate with software/firmware teams to transition algorithms to high-performance real-time code.
• Support and improve deployed algorithms and ongoing system performance.
• Analyze large EO/IR datasets to extract analytics and assess algorithm performance.
• Document and present results to technical and government stakeholders.
• Attend meetings and represent the organization in project development.

Skills

EO/IR image processing

Computer vision

Python programming

Image-system modeling

Communication

Team leadership

Security clearance

C/C++ (nice-to-have)

Education

Bachelor's degree with 12+ years in a technical field

Master's with 8+ years

PhD with 5+ years

Tools

TS/SCI clearance

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

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 Tucson, AZ, 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.
• 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

• Strong math background, particularly linear algebra.
• 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.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.