Principal Algorithm Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis)

Rocket Lab is hiring a Principal Algorithm Engineer for its Optical Systems team. The role develops, validates, and deploys algorithms for EO/IR image processing, object detection, and tracking, supporting space payload missions and deployed systems.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, validate, and optimize algorithms for EO/IR sensor data, including a broad range of image processing techniques such as 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 the development and utilization of image simulators to generate synthetic EO/IR data for algorithm development, testing, and validation in support of EO/IR payload missions
• Support and enhance existing operational programs, including maintaining and improving deployed algorithms, troubleshooting fielded systems, and ensuring ongoing system performance and reliability
• Implement and test algorithm improvements in deployed systems to support ongoing mission needs
• Apply strong programming skills (MATLAB, Python, C/C++) to develop robust solutions for real-world mission problems
• 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 to inform software and systems engineering execution
• 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
• Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules
• Support travel or off-site work, as needed