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Principal Machine Learning Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis) Verified today

Rocket Lab · Littleton, CO · Payload · first seen 2026-10-14
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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 solutions for responsive, scalable sensing 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

  • Develop computer vision algorithms and deep neural networks for image and video processing chains
  • Collaborate with researchers and engineers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision
  • Work with physics-based image simulation frameworks to scale training and validation data
  • Design, train, and deploy machine learning models for Optical Systems applications
  • Perform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems
  • Troubleshoot, debug, and maintain existing and new systems
  • Stay current with ML research and evaluate new tools, frameworks, and techniques

What We're Looking For

  • Bachelor's degree plus 12+ years of experience, or Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
  • Strong background in machine learning fundamentals: model selection, architecting, training, validation, testing, and deployment
  • Proven experience building deep learning neural networks (CNN) for computer vision, image processing, or analysis such as object detection, image segmentation, and tracking
  • Strong math background, particularly linear algebra and optimization theory
  • Proficiency in Python
  • Experience with deep learning libraries (Keras, TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.)
  • Software engineering fundamentals: version control, testing, CI/CD, containerization
  • U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
  • 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 training deep learning models
  • TS/SCI security clearance

Compensation

Base Salary: $171,800 to $229,000 USD

Total Compensation (base and equity): $153,000 to $244,800 USD

You will receive company stock as part of your total compensation package. Benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, 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) with company match, and other 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.