Senior Space Surveillance Engineer, Sensor Development & Image Processing

Slingshot Aerospace is on a mission to make space safer and more secure for everyone. As a Senior member of the Space Surveillance Research and Development technical staff, you will lead efforts in the detection, tracking, and characterization of satellites and space debris, specializing in real-time image processing and sensor systems.

Responsibilities:

• Execute all responsibilities in alignment with Slingshot’s mission, purpose, and values
• Lead and contribute to the design, development, and integration of space surveillance sensor systems across the Global Sensor Network
• Perform system-level design, simulation, and integration of hardware and software components for advanced space surveillance systems
• Design and implement real-time image processing pipelines in GPU-accelerated environments
• Develop algorithms and software for sensor data tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination
• Apply signal processing and image calibration techniques to improve detection and tracking performance
• Develop and optimize C++ and Python (including PyTorch) applications for high-performance computing environments
• Support transitions of Slingshot’s products and services to the Slingshot Global Sensor Network (SGSN), space operations centers, and other testbeds
• Engage with customers and stakeholders to support mission-critical outcomes
• Contribute to product strategy and technical direction through subject matter expertise
• Prepare technical reports and briefing materials
• Present technical work to internal and external stakeholders
• Serve as a technical expert in space surveillance, sensor development, and real-time processing systems
• Lead execution of individual and small team technical efforts and contribute to larger cross-team initiatives
• Mentor team members and share subject matter expertise
• Lead technical contributions to proposals and new business efforts
• Champion internal research and development initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned (less than 10% of responsibilities listed above)

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of relevant experience, including experience with real-time image processing and/or sensor system development
• Strong programming experience in C++ and Python
• Experience developing and deploying applications in GPU-accelerated environments, including use of CUDA
• Experience with PyTorch or similar frameworks for high-performance or machine learning applications
• Background in signal processing, algorithm design, and linear algebra
• Experience with image calibration and working with space-based or sensor coordinate systems
• Experience contributing to the design, development, or integration of sensor systems
• Ability to design, implement, and optimize real-time processing pipelines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to varied audiences
• Ability to travel up to 5% domestically and internationally as needed
• Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Graduate degree in a relevant technical field or equivalent experience
• Advanced experience optimizing GPU-based systems for real-time performance
• Experience with embedded or edge computing systems for sensor platforms
• Experience with astrodynamics, estimation theory, or space domain awareness applications
• Experience integrating software with optical or mechanical sensing systems
• Familiarity with distributed sensor networks and autonomous observatory operations
• Experience working in early-stage or high-growth environments
• Experience contributing to research, publications, or advanced technical proposals