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

Rocket Lab · Chantilly, VA · Payload · first seen 2026-09-17
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About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

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. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation, we deliver solutions for responsive, scalable sensing across all orbital domains.

The Role

As a Principal Algorithm Engineer for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will develop, validate, and deploy advanced algorithms for advanced EO/IR space payloads, with emphasis on image processing, object detection, and tracking. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in machine learning, optical design, and space vehicle modeling and simulation, and design and prototype processing claims for next-generation space payloads.

What You'll Do

  • Develop, optimize, and validate complex EO/IR image-processing chains and support their 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 image algorithm validation.
  • Apply classical and modern (deep learning) approaches to detect and track low-SNR objects within EO/IR imagery for mission-critical applications.
  • Work with software and firmware teams to transition complex image-processing algorithms into high-performance, real-time implementations.
  • Support and enhance existing operational programs, including maintaining and improving deployed algorithms, troubleshooting fielded systems, and ensuring ongoing system performance and reliability.
  • Analyze large and complex 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 matters pertaining to project development.
  • 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 a related technical discipline with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.
  • Strong experience in designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing image processing and computer vision algorithms for EO/IR sensors.
  • Broad experience in areas of computer vision, such as image stabilization/registration, 3-D 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 the completion of program and project milestones.
  • U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Desired 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, 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.
  • TS/SCI security clearance.

Compensation

Base salary range (VA): $259,000 to $370,000 USD. Base salary is one part of Rocket Lab's compensation package. You may be eligible for company stock or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Working Conditions

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.