Latest AI JobsBrowse Jobs
R

Principal Algorithm Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis)

Rocket Lab CorporationLong Beach, CA106 OS - Design Engineering
Apply on company site
Salary
$198,900 — $318,200 USD
Job type
Full-time
Experience
Senior · 5+ yrs
Posted
16 Sept 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Based in Long Beach, California, this full-time role involves creating and validating electro-optical and infrared image processing algorithms and suits professionals with extensive sensor system experience. The position is situated within Rocket Lab Optical Systems, focusing on sensor payloads for defense and intelligence missions.

Role Overview

The Principal Algorithm Engineer position centers on developing, validating, and deploying advanced algorithms for electro-optical and infrared space payloads, emphasizing object detection, tracking, and image processing. Professionals in this role collaborate across disciplines such as machine learning, optical design, and space vehicle modeling to design processing chains for next-generation space technology.

Key Responsibilities

Build, optimize, and test complex electro-optical and infrared image-processing chains for real-time space-based sensor implementation.
Apply knowledge of optical sensor physics and image formation to construct modeling and simulation frameworks for mission imagery.
Generate synthetic mission imagery through simulation frameworks to support algorithm validation and machine learning training.
Employ classical and deep-learning methods to track and detect low-signal-to-noise objects within imagery.
Coordinate with firmware and software teams to transition processing algorithms into high-performance, real-time architectures.
Maintain operational programs by improving deployed algorithms, troubleshooting fielded systems, and reviewing large datasets for performance analytics.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 12 or more years of experience, master's degree with 8 or more years of experience, or Ph.D. with 5 or more years of experience in mathematics, computer science, optical sciences, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field.
Demonstrated background in image processing or electro-optical and infrared systems, including computer vision algorithm design and optimization.
Familiarity with computer vision domains like image stabilization, camera modeling, pose reconstruction, and background suppression.
Proficiency in the Python programming language and image-system modeling.
United States citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a United States Government Security Clearance.

Nice to Have

Strong mathematical foundation emphasizing linear algebra.
Experience applying modern deep-learning computer vision techniques, space-based imaging systems, and sensor calibration procedures.
Proficiency in C and C++ programming.
Product development lifecycle experience from proposal architecture to production transition.
Prior technical leadership or management experience within an engineering setting, alongside an active TS/SCI security clearance.

Skills and Tools

Python
C/C++
Electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems
Computer vision algorithms
Image processing and sensor calibration

Salary and Benefits

The total compensation package ranges from $198,900 to $318,200 USD, with a base salary range of $198,000 to $264,000 USD, supplemented by an anticipated annual equity grant. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, an Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15 percent discount, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, and paid time off. Additional perks feature onsite fitness centers, subsidized electric vehicle charging, and merchandise discounts.

About the Company

Rocket Lab Corporation operates as an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and subsystems for lunar, Martian, and orbital missions. The organization partners with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the United States Space Force to deliver national security and space domain solutions.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly on the official company careers page.

Skills and tech stack

PythonCC++Computer VisionDeep LearningMachine Learning

Questions candidates ask

Where is the Principal Algorithm Engineer role located?

The position is located in Long Beach, California.

What is the salary range for this position?

The total compensation ranges from $198,900 to $318,200 USD, with a base salary range of $198,000 to $264,000 USD.

What educational and experience qualifications are required?

Candidates need a bachelor's degree with 12+ years of experience, a master's degree with 8+ years of experience, or a Ph.D. with 5+ years of experience in a relevant technical discipline like physics, computer science, or engineering.

Are there citizenship or security clearance requirements?

Yes, U.S. citizenship is required, and candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

What programming languages are relevant to the job?

Proficiency in Python is required, while experience in C and C++ is listed as a nice-to-have qualification.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Rocket Lab Corporation careers page.

Apply on company site