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

About this role

As a Senior Algorithm Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will develop, validate, and deploy advanced algorithms for EO/IR space payloads. You will focus on image processing, object detection, and tracking, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in machine learning, optical design, and space vehicle modeling.

What you will do

• Develop, optimize, and validate complex EO/IR image-processing chains and support deployment into real-time implementations on space-based sensor payloads.
• Apply your 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 algorithm validation.
• Apply classical and 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 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 project development matters.
• Support travel or off-site work as needed.

What you will bring

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of experience, Master's degree with 5+ years of experience, or PhD with 2+ years of experience in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline. Demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems required.
• Strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing image processing and computer vision algorithms for EO/IR sensors.
• Broad experience in computer vision areas including 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.
• Leadership skills supporting completion of program and project milestones.
• U.S. citizenship is 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 and/or functional capacity within an engineering environment.
• TS/SCI security clearance.

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.