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Rocket Lab Optical Systems is seeking a Senior Algorithm Engineer II to develop, validate, and deploy advanced algorithms for electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) image analysis and pattern recognition on space-based payloads. This role supports mission-critical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community customers.
You will own the full lifecycle of algorithm development for EO/IR sensor data, including image processing techniques such as noise reduction, enhancement, registration, and correction. You'll apply pattern recognition methods to detect, classify, and track objects in complex EO/IR datasets for operational space missions. Key responsibilities include building and enhancing modeling and simulation libraries, developing image simulators to generate synthetic data for testing, and supporting deployed operational programs by maintaining and improving fielded algorithms.
You will analyze large, complex datasets to extract features and assess algorithm performance, implement improvements in deployed systems, and develop software tools for data collection and analysis. You'll decompose high-level customer requirements into algorithm and subsystem specifications, document and present technical results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders (including government customers), and attend technical interchange meetings to represent the organization.
This is a hands-on technical role requiring strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++. You'll work on real hardware for meaningful national security missions, with occasional travel or off-site work as needed.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or related technical discipline with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems
- Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
- 8+ years of professional experience
- Demonstrated proficiency 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; ability to document technical work and present to diverse audiences
- Ability to contribute to program and project milestone completion
- U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or eligible to obtain required ITAR authorizations
NICE-TO-HAVE:
- Master's degree or PhD in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or related discipline
- Experience with pattern recognition methods for EO/IR (feature extraction, classification, tracking)
- Experience with sensor calibration procedures (radiometric, geometric, temporal) for EO/IR systems
- Expertise in modeling and simulation across multiple EO/IR phenomenologies
- Experience across all phases of product development (proposal, requirements, design, integration, verification, production transition)
- Experience managing or leading others in technical/functional capacity within engineering environment
