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Senior Algorithm Engineer II (EO/IR Image Analysis) Verified today

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

Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers. As a Senior Algorithm Engineer II in Chantilly, VA, you will support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) by building deep learning neural networks for advanced Electro-Optical (EO/IR) image processing.

What you will do

  • Develop computer vision algorithms and deep neural networks for image and video processing chains
  • Collaborate with other 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
  • Perform troubleshooting, bug fixes, and maintenance of existing and new systems
  • Stay current with ML research and evaluate new tools, frameworks, and techniques

What you will bring

  • Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of experience, master's degree with 5+ years of experience, or Ph.D. with 2+ years of experience in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical discipline with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems
  • Strong background in math and fundamentals of machine learning, including model selection, architecting, training, validation, testing, and deployment
  • Experience building deep learning neural networks (e.g., CNN) for computer vision, image processing, or analyses 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: $153,000 to $204,000 USD. Total compensation (base and equity): $130,000 to $229,100 USD. Equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package includes Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount on company stock, 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) retirement plan with company match, 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.