Principal Algorithm Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis) Verified today
About the role
As a Principal Algorithm Engineer for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will develop, validate and deploy advanced algorithms for EO/IR space payloads. You will focus on image processing, object detection and tracking while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in machine learning, optical design and space vehicle modeling and simulation.
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 deployed algorithms, troubleshooting fielded systems and ensuring ongoing 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.
What you'll bring
- 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 computer vision areas 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 the 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 required due to program requirements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
Nice to have
- 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
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.