Principal Machine Learning 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. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation, we deliver responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.
The Role
As Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you will support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) by building deep learning neural networks for advanced Electro-Optical (EO/IR) image processing.
What You'll Do
- Design, train, and deploy machine learning models for Optical Systems applications
- Build and maintain ML pipelines for data ingestion, feature engineering, training, and inference
- Develop deep learning solutions for object detection, image segmentation, and tracking
- Collaborate with researchers and engineers on artificial intelligence and computer vision
- Perform rapid prototyping and development for integration into operational systems
- Troubleshoot, debug, and maintain existing and new systems
- Evaluate and adopt new ML tools, frameworks, and research techniques
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience, or Master's/Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- Strong background in machine learning: model selection, architecture, training, validation, testing, and deployment
- Demonstrated experience building deep learning neural networks for computer vision, image processing, or video analysis
- Strong foundation in linear algebra and mathematics
- Proficiency in Python
- Experience with deep learning libraries (Keras, TensorFlow, PyTorch, or equivalent)
- Software engineering fundamentals: version control, testing, CI/CD, containerization
- U.S. citizenship (required by program regulations)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance
Nice to Have
- Proficiency in C/C++/Rust
- Experience curating quality, real-world datasets for deep learning training
- TS/SCI security clearance
Compensation
Base Salary: $153,000 to $204,000 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 package includes company stock as part of total compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), top-tier medical plans, 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) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on company merchandise, and additional employee discounts.
Location and Work Environment
Long Beach, CA. Position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Export Control Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted as a refugee or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.