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

Rocket Lab · Tucson, AZ · Payload · first seen 2026-10-12
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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 designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments, building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation.

Your Role

As a Senior Algorithm Engineer II, you will develop, validate, and deploy algorithms for advanced image processing, object detection, and tracking on EO/IR space payloads. You will work in Tucson, AZ.

What You'll Do

  • Develop, validate, and optimize algorithms for EO/IR sensor data, including noise reduction, image enhancement, image registration, correction, and pattern recognition.
  • Apply pattern recognition techniques to detect, classify, and track objects in EO/IR data for mission-critical applications.
  • Build and enhance modeling and simulation libraries, including development of image simulators to generate synthetic EO/IR data for algorithm development and testing.
  • Support and enhance existing operational programs, including maintaining deployed algorithms, troubleshooting fielded systems, and ensuring system performance and reliability.
  • Implement and test algorithm improvements in deployed systems to support ongoing mission needs.
  • Apply strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ to develop robust solutions.
  • Analyze large and complex EO/IR datasets to extract features, identify patterns, and assess algorithm performance.
  • Develop and document software tools for data collection, analysis, and performance assessment.
  • Decompose high-level customer requirements into algorithm and subsystem requirements.
  • 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 matters.
  • Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules.
  • Support travel or off-site work as needed.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline, with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.
  • Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
  • 8 or more years of professional experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for analysis, modeling, simulation, or algorithm development.
  • Strong experience designing, implementing, testing, and optimizing algorithms for EO/IR sensors, with focus on image processing and pattern recognition.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to document technical work and present results to diverse audiences.
  • Ability to contribute to completion of programs and project milestones.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree or PhD in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience with pattern recognition methods for EO/IR applications, including feature extraction, classification, and tracking.
  • Experience with sensor calibration procedures (radiometric, geometric, temporal) for EO/IR systems.
  • Expertise in modeling and simulation, including multiple EO/IR phenomenologies.
  • 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.

Work Environment

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.

ITAR and U.S. Person Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.