Senior Scientist II/Principal (EO/IR Image Analysis)

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize algorithms for EO/IR sensor data, including noise reduction, image enhancement, and pattern recognition
• Apply pattern recognition techniques to detect, classify, and track objects in EO/IR data
• Build and enhance modeling and simulation libraries using image simulators to generate synthetic data
• Support and enhance existing operational programs by maintaining deployed algorithms and troubleshooting fielded systems
• Implement and test algorithm improvements in deployed systems
• Apply programming skills in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ to develop robust solutions
• Analyze large and complex EO/IR datasets to extract features and assess performance
• Decompose high-level customer requirements into algorithm and subsystem requirements
• Document and present algorithm performance results to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
• U.S. citizenship required
• 8+ years of professional experience (for Senior Scientist II) or 12+ years (for Principal Scientist)
• Demonstrated experience with MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++ for algorithm development
• Strong experience designing, implementing, and optimizing algorithms for EO/IR sensors
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a related technical discipline
• Experience with pattern recognition methods including feature extraction, classification, and tracking
• Experience with sensor calibration procedures (radiometric, geometric, temporal)
• Expertise in modeling and simulation across multiple EO/IR phenomenologies
• Experience across all phases of product development from proposal to production
• Experience managing or leading others in a technical engineering environment

About the Company

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components to open access to space.