Principal Algorithm Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis)

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation in Tucson, AZ seeks a Principal Algorithm Engineer specializing in EO/IR image analysis. You will develop, validate, and deploy advanced algorithms for space payloads and mission-critical sensing tasks.

Responsibilities include building simulations, improving deployed systems, and presenting results to government customers. Requires 12+ years in the field and TS/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government security clearance.
• 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 EO/IR sensors algorithms (image processing & pattern recognition).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to present results to diverse audiences.
• Ability to contribute to programs and project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize EO/IR image processing algorithms.
• Apply pattern recognition to detect, classify, and track objects in EO/IR data.
• Build and enhance modeling/simulation libraries and image data simulators.
• Maintain and improve deployed algorithms and ensure system performance.
• Implement algorithm improvements in deployed systems for mission needs.
• Document and present performance results to technical and government stakeholders.
• Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project development.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

EO/IR processing

Pattern recognition

TS/SCI clearance

Communication skills

Education

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

Job description

Principal Algorithm Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis)

Tucson, AZ

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 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.

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.

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.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self-identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in Rocket Lab Corporation’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the three-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service.

An "active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran" means a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service during a war, or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized under the laws administered by the Department of Defense.

An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.