Rendezvous & Proximity Operations Engineer – Computer Vision, Relative Navigation

Jobtailor; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a talented engineer to develop and integrate computer vision and relative navigation algorithms for RPO mission modeling. You will support evaluation of contested space mission applications and contribute to CONOPS development.

You will explore TTPs, incorporate operational constraints into space-system design, and build new flight dynamics tools to support customer deliverables. Travel is expected ~10%.

Qualifications

• MS degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months).
• 0–1 years of professional, technical work experience.
• Experience in computer vision and/or relative navigation.
• Experience in space mission analysis, state estimation, pose estimation, orbit det.*
• Proficiency with one or more: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB.
• Willing to travel domestically (~10%) and ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate computer vision and relative navigation algorithms for RPO mission-level modeling.
• Support evaluation of contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities.
• Explore TTPs and incorporate complex operational constraints into space-system design and maturation.
• Build new flight dynamics tools and maintain a modern internal tool base.
• Combine AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling for trade‑space analysis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate mission requirements into solutions.
• Provide expertise for customer flight-mechanics needs, specializing in state/pose estimation, image processing, and automation.
• Travel occasionally to support customer efforts.

Skills

Computer Vision

Relative Navigation

State Estimation

Pose Estimation

Image Processing

Flight Mechanics

Algorithm Development

Astrodynamics

Trajectory Simulation

Performance Optimization

C

C++

Python

Fortran

MATLAB

Education

MS degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field

Tools

C

C++

Python

Fortran

MATLAB

Job description

• Develop and integrate computer vision and relative navigation algorithms for RPO mission-level modeling
• Support evaluation of contested space mission applications to assess system vulnerabilities and contribute to CONOPS development
• Explore Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures and incorporate complex operational constraints into space-system design and maturation
• Build new flight dynamics tools and maintain a modern internal tool base supporting customer deliverables
• Combine AI/ML/RL techniques with flight mechanics modeling to assess complex analysis and decision‑making trade spaces
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate customer mission requirements into technical solutions and analysis products
• Provide expertise for customer flight‑mechanics needs, specializing in state/pose estimation, image processing, and automation
• Travel occasionally to support customer efforts

Requirements

• MS degree from an accredited college/university program in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or related field (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)
• 0-1 years of professional, technical work experience
• Experience in computer vision and/or relative navigation
• Experience in one or more of: space mission analysis and design, state estimation, pose estimation, orbit determination, image processing, algorithm design, software development, astrodynamics, trajectory simulation and performance optimization of spacecraft conducting RPO, mathematical modeling
• Proficiency with one or more of: C, C++, Python, Fortran, MATLAB
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Willing to travel domestically to customer and contractor facilities (approximately 10%)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government‑issued security clearance
• U.S. citizenship required to obtain a security clearance
• Transcripts required
• PhD degree is listed as an impressive qualification, not a minimum requirement
• Experience using or building analysis software combining numerical methods, orbital or flight mechanics, and optimization approaches
• Advanced algorithm development skills including parallel processing and scripting
• Current SSBI with an active TS/SCI and/or TS/SAP clearance is listed as a standout qualification

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in computer vision, relative navigation, and flight mechanics, with proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Python, and MATLAB. Capable of developing algorithms and tools for space mission analysis while effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Computer Vision
• Relative Navigation
• Algorithm Development
• Flight Mechanics
• State Estimation

Hard Skills

• Computer Vision
• Relative Navigation
• Algorithm Design
• Mathematical Modeling
• State Estimation
• Pose Estimation
• Image Processing
• Astrodynamics
• Trajectory Simulation
• Performance Optimization

Soft Skills

• Effective Communication

Certifications & Qualifications

• U.S. Government‑Issued Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

• Space Mission Analysis
• Flight Dynamics
• Numerical Methods
• Optimization Approaches
• RPO

Tools & Technologies

• C
• C++
• Python
• Fortran
• MATLAB