Principal Algorithm Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis) Verified today

About Rocket Lab Optical Systems

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. We deliver innovative electro-optical and infrared systems for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments, building on over 20 years of proven expertise.

Your Role

As Principal Algorithm Engineer, you will develop, validate, and deploy advanced algorithms for EO/IR space payloads. You'll work with multidisciplinary teams in machine learning, optical design, and space vehicle modeling to design and prototype processing solutions for next-generation space payloads.

What You'll Do

• Develop, optimize, and validate complex EO/IR image-processing chains and support deployment into real-time implementations on space-based sensor payloads.
• Apply your understanding of optical sensor physics and image formation to develop and optimize modeling and simulation frameworks for mission imagery.
• Synthesize mission imagery using simulation frameworks to support machine learning training and algorithm validation.
• Apply classical and deep learning approaches to detect and track low-SNR objects in EO/IR imagery for mission-critical applications.
• Work with software and firmware teams to transition image-processing algorithms into high-performance, real-time implementations.
• Support and enhance existing operational programs: maintain and improve deployed algorithms, troubleshoot fielded systems, and ensure ongoing performance and reliability.
• Analyze large EO/IR datasets to extract analytics and assess algorithm performance.
• Document and present algorithm performance results to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including government customers.
• Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization in project development matters.
• Support travel or off-site work as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience, Master's degree with 8+ years of experience, or Ph.D. with 5+ years of experience in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical discipline with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.
• Strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing image processing and computer vision algorithms for EO/IR sensors.
• Broad experience in computer vision areas: image stabilization and registration, 3D multi-view camera modeling, pose reconstruction (bundle adjustment), object detection and tracking, and background suppression.
• Proficiency in Python with strong programming skills.
• Demonstrated experience in image-system modeling and simulation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to document technical work and present results to diverse audiences.
• Ability to contribute to a high-performance team.
• Leadership skills supporting completion of program and project milestones.
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong math background, particularly linear algebra.
• Experience with modern, deep-learning-based approaches to computer vision.
• Experience with space-looking or space-based imaging systems.
• Experience with sensor calibration procedures (radiometric, geometric, temporal) for EO/IR systems.
• Proficiency in C/C++.
• Experience across all phases of product development: proposal design architectures, requirements generation, design development, integration, verification, and transition to production.
• Experience managing or leading others in technical and/or functional capacity within an engineering environment.
• TS/SCI security clearance.

Compensation

Base salary: $198,000 to $264,000 USD. Total compensation (base and equity): $198,900 to $318,200 USD. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package includes industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks.

Work 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.