Senior Algorithm Engineer II (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. We deliver innovative electro-optical and infrared systems for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments, built on more than 20 years of systems innovation.

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 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 and improving 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.

You'll 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 experience 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 ability to document technical work and present results to diverse audiences.
• Ability to contribute to a high-performance team and leadership skills supporting 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 or functional capacity within an engineering environment.
• TS/SCI security clearance.

Compensation

Base Salary: $162,000 to $243,000 USD

Total Compensation (base and equity): $194,500 to $300,275 USD

Equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors. Benefits include competitive medical plans, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers where available, and employee discounts.

Requirements

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.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Department of Commerce.