Principal EO/IR Image Processing Engineer (Real-Time)

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 259,000 - 370,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Long Beach, CA seeks a Principal Algorithm Engineer to develop and validate advanced EO/IR image-processing algorithms for space payloads. You will collaborate across machine learning, optical design, and space vehicle modeling teams to deliver real-time processing capabilities.

The role requires strong Python skills, a deep understanding of computer vision, and experience with EO/IR sensors, plus the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and optimizing EO/IR image-processing for sensors.
• Proficiency in Python with strong programming skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate EO/IR image-processing chains for space payloads.
• Model and simulate optical sensor imagery for mission scenarios.
• Apply deep learning approaches to detect and track objects in EO/IR data.
• Collaborate with software and firmware teams to implement real-time processing.
• Analyze large EO/IR datasets and report algorithm performance.
• Present results to government customers and participate in technical meetings.

Skills

Image processing

Python

Computer vision

EO/IR sensors

Leadership

Communication skills

C/C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

C/C++

Job description

Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Long Beach, CA seeks a Principal Algorithm Engineer to develop and validate advanced EO/IR image-processing algorithms for space payloads. You will collaborate across machine learning, optical design, and space vehicle modeling teams to deliver real-time processing capabilities.

The role requires strong Python skills, a deep understanding of computer vision, and experience with EO/IR sensors, plus the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S.