Senior Scientist II/Principal (EO/IR Image Analysis)

Rocket Lab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division seeks a Senior Scientist II / Principal Algorithm Engineer to lead EO/IR image processing and pattern recognition for advanced space payloads. You will analyze complex datasets, develop robust algorithms, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams for mission-critical guidance.

The role emphasizes modeling, simulation, and deployment of software tools, with strong programming in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.
• Demonstrated experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for analysis, modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
• Strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing algorithms for EO/IR sensors, with a focus on image processing and pattern recognition.
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize EO/IR algorithms for sensor data, including image processing and pattern recognition.
• Apply pattern-recognition techniques to detect, classify, and track objects in EO/IR data for mission-critical applications.
• Build and enhance modeling libraries and image simulators to generate synthetic EO/IR data for development and testing.
• Maintain and improve deployed algorithms, troubleshoot fielded systems, and ensure ongoing performance and reliability.
• Implement and test algorithm improvements in deployed systems to support mission needs.
• Apply MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ to develop robust solutions for real-world problems.
• Analyze large EO/IR datasets to extract features and assess algorithm performance.
• Document and present algorithm performance results to government customers and stakeholders.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related field

Job description

Senior Scientist II / Principal – EO/IR Image Analysis

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. The vision is to revolutionize the space‑based payload market with innovative designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than two decades of electro‑optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing across all orbital domains.

As a Senior Scientist II/Principal of EO/IR Image Analysis & Pattern Recognition at Rocket Lab Optical Systems worksite in Tucson, AZ, you will focus on the development, validation, and deployment of advanced algorithms for EO/IR sensors, with an emphasis on image processing and pattern recognition. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver quantitative technical guidance, requirements decomposition, modeling and simulation, and algorithm assessment for next‑generation space payloads.

(This position can be hired at the Senior Algorithm Engineer II or Principal Algorithm Engineer level.)

What You’ll Get To Do

• Develop, validate, and optimize algorithms for EO/IR sensor data, including a broad range of image‑processing techniques such as noise reduction, image enhancement, image registration, correction, and pattern recognition.
• Apply pattern‑recognition techniques to detect, classify, and track objects in EO/IR data for mission‑critical applications.
• Build and enhance modeling and simulation libraries, including the development and utilization of image simulators to generate synthetic EO/IR data for algorithm development, testing, and validation in support of EO/IR payload missions.
• Support and enhance existing operational programs, including maintaining and improving deployed algorithms, troubleshooting fielded systems, and ensuring ongoing system performance and reliability.
• Implement and test algorithm improvements in deployed systems to support ongoing mission needs.
• Apply strong programming skills (MATLAB, Python, C/C++) to develop robust solutions for real‑world mission problems.
• Analyze large and complex EO/IR datasets to extract features, identify patterns, and assess algorithm performance.
• Develop and document software tools for data collection, analysis, and performance assessment.
• Decompose high‑level customer requirements into algorithm and subsystem requirements to inform software and systems engineering execution.
• Document and present algorithm performance results to technical and non‑technical stakeholders, including government customers.
• Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in matters pertaining to project development.
• Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules.
• Support travel or off‑site work, as needed.

Qualifications for Senior Scientist II

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility; U.S. citizenship required.
• 8+ years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for analysis, modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
• Strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing algorithms for EO/IR sensors, with a focus on image processing and pattern recognition.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document technical work and present results to diverse audiences.
• Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones.

Qualifications for Principal Scientist

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility; U.S. citizenship required.
• 12+ years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for analysis, modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
• Strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing algorithms for EO/IR sensors, with a focus on image processing and pattern recognition.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document technical work and present results to diverse audiences.
• Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones.

Nice to Have Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with pattern recognition methods for EO/IR applications, including feature extraction, classification, and tracking.
• Experience with sensor calibration procedures (radiometric, geometric, temporal) for EO/IR systems.
• Expertise in modeling and simulation, including multiple EO/IR phenomenologies.
• Experience across all phases of product development, including proposal design architectures, requirements generation, design development, integration, verification, and transition to production.
• Experience managing or leading others in a technical and/or functional capacity within an engineering environment.

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.

Important Information

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.