Senior EO/IR Image Processing Engineer

Rocket Lab USA; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ seeks a Principal Algorithm Engineer to develop, validate and deploy advanced EO/IR image-processing algorithms for space payloads. You will collaborate with ML, optical design and space vehicle modeling teams and help translate research into real‑time processing hardware.

The role emphasizes image-system modeling, simulation and the use of Python; candidates should have leadership experience and strong communication skills, plus U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience, master's degree with 8+ years, or Ph.D. with 5+ years in physics, optical sciences, CS, mathematics, or engineering with image processing/EO‑IR.
• Strong experience designing and optimizing image processing and computer vision algorithms for EO/IR sensors.
• Broad experience in computer vision areas: stabilization, 3‑D modeling, pose reconstruction, object detection/tracking, background suppression.
• Proficiency in Python with solid programming skills.
• Experience in image-system modeling and simulation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to contribute to a high-performance team; leadership in program milestones.
• U.S. citizenship required for program access; ability to obtain/maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and deploy EO/IR image-processing algorithms for space payloads.
• Create modeling and simulation frameworks to generate mission imagery for ML training.
• Apply classic and modern computer vision approaches to detect and track objects in EO/IR imagery.
• Collaborate with software/firmware teams to deploy real-time implementations.
• Maintain and improve deployed algorithms and ensure system performance.
• Analyze large EO/IR datasets to extract analytics and assess algorithm performance.
• Document results and present to technical and government stakeholders.
• Attend technical meetings and support project development; travel/off-site work as needed.

Skills

Python

Image processing

EO/IR systems

Computer vision

Machine learning

C/C++

Team leadership

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (or higher) in physics, optical sciences, CS, math, EE, or related with 12+ years experience

Master's degree in a related field with 8+ years experience

PhD in a related field with 5+ years experience

Tools

MATLAB

OpenCV

TensorFlow

Job description

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ seeks a Principal Algorithm Engineer to develop, validate and deploy advanced EO/IR image-processing algorithms for space payloads. You will collaborate with ML, optical design and space vehicle modeling teams and help translate research into real‑time processing hardware.

The role emphasizes image-system modeling, simulation and the use of Python; candidates should have leadership experience and strong communication skills, plus U.S.