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

InvestedintheMission; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Scientist II or Principal for EO/IR image analysis within the Optical Systems division. You will develop algorithms for EO/IR sensor data, apply pattern recognition, and build simulation tools to support mission-critical payload missions for DoD/IC customers.

You will work with MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ to create robust real-world solutions, analyze large datasets, and communicate results to stakeholders. A TS/SCI eligible clearance is preferred, with U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline with 8+ years of experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for algorithm design and testing.
• Strong communication skills and U.S. citizenship; TS/SCI eligibility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize EO/IR sensor algorithms (noise reduction, image enhancement, registration, correction, pattern recognition).
• Apply pattern recognition to detect, classify, and track objects in EO/IR data for mission-critical use.
• Build modeling and simulation libraries; develop image simulators for synthetic data and validation.
• Maintain and improve deployed algorithms and support fielded systems.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Image processing

Algorithm development

EO/IR systems

Data analysis

Education

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

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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 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. 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 from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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

• 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; 8+ years of professional experience; demonstrated experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++; strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing algorithms for EO/IR sensors; strong written and verbal communication skills; active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility; U.S. citizenship required.
• 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; 12+ years of professional experience; demonstrated experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++; strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing algorithms for EO/IR sensors; strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones; active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility; U.S. citizenship required.
• Nice to have: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a related field; 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; experience managing or leading others in a technical and/or functional capacity within an engineering environment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in production areas with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes; may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work.
• For U.S. office candidates: must conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR; Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the Department of State and/or the Department of Commerce.
• For New Zealand office candidates: background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers; eligibility includes citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country; dual citizenship or ineligible nationality may result in disqualification due to ITAR.

EMPLOYMENT EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

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.