Senior Machine Learning Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division seeks a Senior Machine Learning Engineer I based in Tucson, AZ to advance deep learning for Electro-Optical image processing and defense-related missions.

You will design, train, and deploy ML models, build end-to-end pipelines, and collaborate with AI researchers to deliver mission-critical solutions for DoD/IC programs while complying with ITAR and security requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/ECE/related field required; 5+ years of experience, or a PhD with relevant experience.
• Strong background in ML including model selection, training, validation, testing, and deployment.
• Experience with deep learning for computer vision / image processing.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to developing ML solutions for real‑world space domain problems.
• Design, train, and deploy ML models for Optical Systems applications.
• Build and maintain ML pipelines for data ingestion, feature engineering, training, and inference.
• Collaborate with researchers/engineers on AI, ML, and computer vision.
• Prototype rapidly and integrate into operational systems.
• Troubleshoot, fix bugs, and maintain systems.
• Stay current with ML research and evaluate new tools and techniques.

Skills

Python

Deep learning

ML model development

CI/CD basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/ECE/related field

Master's or PhD in related field

Tools

Docker

Version control

CI/CD tooling

Job description

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

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has 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 them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER I

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) 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, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer I based at our Optical Systems sites in Tucson, AZ, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and beyond by building deep learning neural networks for advanced Electro-Optical (EO/IR) image processing.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Contribute your experience to developing solutions for real‑world problems.
• Design, train, and deploy machine learning models for Optical Systems applications
• Build and maintain ML pipelines for data ingestion, feature engineering, training, and inference.
• Collaborate with other researchers/engineers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision.
• Preform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems.
• Perform troubleshooting, bug fixes, and maintenance of existing and new systems.
• Stay current with ML research and evaluate new tools, frameworks, and techniques

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN A SENIOR MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience, master’s degree and 3+ years of experience, or a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• Strong background in machine learning including model selection, architecting, training, validation, testing, and deployment
• Experience in building deep learning neural network for computer vision, image processing, or video analysis (e.g., object detection, image segmentation, and tracking)
• Proficiency in Python
• Experience with deep learning libraries (Keras, TensorFlow, Pytorch, etc)
• Software engineering fundamentals: version control, testing, CI/CD, containerization
• S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain an U.S. Government Security Clearance

NICE TO HAVE:

• Proficiency in C/C++/Rust
• Experience curating quality, real-world datasets for training deep learning models
• TS/SCI security clearance

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.