Space Systems ML Engineer II – Vision & Imaging

Rocketlab; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer II focused on optical systems and DoD/IC challenges. You will design, train, and deploy ML models for EO/IR image processing, build end-to-end ML pipelines, and collaborate across AI/vision disciplines.

The role requires a strong ML background, proficiency in Python and DL libraries, and U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance. Some roles may involve C/C++/Rust and security clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years of experience in CS/engineering.
• Master’s degree or PhD in CS, EE, ME, Physics, or related field.
• Strong ML background including model selection, training, validation, and deployment.
• Experience building deep learning models for computer vision, image processing, or video analysis.
• Strong math background, especially linear algebra.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Experience with deep learning libraries (Keras, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Software engineering fundamentals: version control, testing, CI/CD, containerization.
• U.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain security clearance.
• Proficiency in C/C++/Rust and TS/SCI clearance (nice to have).

Responsibilities

• Contribute your experience to developing solutions for real-world 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 artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision.
• Perform 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

Skills

Python

Deep learning

Computer vision

CI/CD

Version control

Linear algebra

TensorFlow

Keras

PyTorch

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Keras

TensorFlow

PyTorch

C/C++/Rust

Job description

Rocket Lab in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer II focused on optical systems and DoD/IC challenges. You will design, train, and deploy ML models for EO/IR image processing, build end-to-end ML pipelines, and collaborate across AI/vision disciplines.

The role requires a strong ML background, proficiency in Python and DL libraries, and U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain security clearance. Some roles may involve C/C++/Rust and security clearances.