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

About the Role

As Principal Algorithm Engineer for EO/IR image analysis and pattern recognition at Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will develop, validate, and deploy algorithms for advanced image processing, object detection, and tracking on EO/IR space payloads.

What You'll Do

• Develop, validate, and optimize algorithms for EO/IR sensor data, including noise reduction, image enhancement, image registration, correction, and pattern recognition.
• Apply pattern recognition techniques to detect, classify, and track objects in EO/IR data for mission-critical applications.
• Build and enhance modeling and simulation libraries, including development and utilization of image simulators to generate synthetic EO/IR data for algorithm development, testing, and validation.
• Support and enhance existing operational programs, including maintaining and improving deployed algorithms, troubleshooting fielded systems, and ensuring ongoing system performance and reliability.
• Implement and test algorithm improvements in deployed systems to support ongoing mission needs.
• Apply strong programming skills (MATLAB, Python, C/C++) to develop robust solutions for real-world mission problems.
• Analyze large and complex EO/IR datasets to extract features, identify patterns, and assess algorithm performance.
• Develop and document software tools for data collection, analysis, and performance assessment.
• Decompose high-level customer requirements into algorithm and subsystem requirements to inform software and systems engineering execution.
• 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.
• Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules.
• Support travel or off-site work as needed.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or related technical discipline with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• 12+ years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for analysis, modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
• Strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing algorithms for EO/IR sensors, with focus on image processing and pattern recognition.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to document technical work and present results to diverse audiences.
• Ability to contribute to completion of programs and project milestones.

Nice to Have

• Master's degree or PhD in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Experience with pattern recognition methods for EO/IR applications, including feature extraction, classification, and tracking.
• Experience with sensor calibration procedures (radiometric, geometric, temporal) for EO/IR systems.
• Expertise in modeling and simulation, including multiple EO/IR phenomenologies.
• 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 technical and/or functional capacity within engineering environment.

ITAR and Employment Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.