Principal Engineer – Vision Based Navigation Verified today

The Role

You will drive the architecture, strategy, and execution of Vision Based Navigation Algorithms and Software across multiple lunar missions within the Lunar Permanence business unit. You will set technical direction for flight algorithm baselines, measurement performance analysis, vision navigation mathematical modeling, synthetic image validation, hardware testing, and cross-spacecraft interfaces. You will serve as primary technical authority engaging cross-program organizations to ensure spacecraft as-built configurations meet mission requirements. You will provide technical leadership across the integrated GN&C subsystem lifecycle from preliminary system definition and detailed subsystem design through performance analysis, vehicle assembly, verification, system validation, mission certification, and operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for Computer Vision development across multiple programs
• Establish and enforce best practices for unit testing, integration testing, and V&V of computer vision software modules
• Provide technical oversight for integration of computer vision software into vehicle production baselines
• Identify systemic gaps and lead development of automation, tooling, and process improvements that scale across the engineering organization
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers, elevating the technical capability of the team
• Represent the organization in technical reviews, design forums, and cross-program technical exchanges
• Drive resolution of complex, ambiguous technical challenges spanning multiple subsystems and disciplines
• Influence make/buy, build-vs-reuse, and technology roadmap decisions for vision-based navigation

Minimum Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Robotics, or related Engineering field with 10+ years of demonstrated experience in computer vision application development (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Recognized technical expert in Robotics and Computer Vision applications with a track record of leading complex system implementations
• Deep, demonstrated experience with optics, camera hardware and calibration, including leading trade studies and technical decisions
• Foundational understanding in synthetic scene generation and radiometry
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, set technical direction, and influence stakeholders across organizational boundaries
• Excellent technical written and verbal communication skills, including ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive leadership
• Proven ability to earn trust, build consensus across organizations, and champion a culture of safety and technical excellence
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep expertise in Spaceflight Mechanics, Orbital Dynamics, and Rendezvous Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD)
• Experience with development and flight operations of Spacecraft RPOD Computer Vision applications
• Recognized expertise in Terrain Relative Optical Navigation and Vision Based Navigation algorithms and software, with prior leadership of related development efforts
• Extensive background across spacecraft navigation, orbital guidance, and spacecraft propulsive trajectory and attitude control
• Extensive experience with real-time embedded software development on spacecraft or launch vehicle flight systems in C++ or Rust
• Experience leading software development efforts under NASA NPR 7150.2D or FAA DO-178C standards
• Experience with NASA software, simulation tools, and environments (Trick, JEOD, cFS)
• Demonstrated leadership in defining and implementing validation and verification strategies, including software unit testing, system simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, or integrated subsystem testing
• Experience with collaboration and development tools such as GitLab and Docker
• Demonstrated leadership across the full software development lifecycle from requirements definition through deployment
• Experience leading flow-down of system requirements to the software component level
• Extensive avionics hardware and software integration experience
• Track record of technical publications, patents, or industry recognition in vision-based navigation or related fields

Compensation and Location

Base Pay Range: Colorado applicants $218,520.00 to $305,926.95 annually. Washington applicants $230,773.00 to $323,081.85 annually. Other site ranges may differ.

This role is available at 3 locations. Applications accepted on an ongoing basis until requisition closure.