Senior EO/IR Image Processing Engineer

Rocket Lab USA

Tucson (AZ)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 200,000

Full time

9 days ago
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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.

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