Senior Systems Engineer II/Principal (EO/IR Image Analysis)

About this role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or vertically integrated components that help missions get to space, our world-class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR/PRINCIPAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER (EO/IR) – SECRET CLEARANCE

Rocket Labs Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative and novel designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

As a Senior/Principal Systems Engineer (EO/IR) based at our Optical Systems site in Tucson, AZ, you will work closely with design and systems engineering team members to provide quantitative technical guidance, requirements decomposition, modeling and simulation, algorithm assessment, and EO/IR sensor performance evaluation. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Systems Engineer II or Principal Systems Engineer level)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Collaborate with researchers on projects related to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision

• Perform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to support integration into operational systems

• Develop and modify simulations for the design, prototyping, integration, testing, and performance assessment of EO/IR sensor hardware and algorithms

• Contribute strong programming ability and technical judgment to develop robust solutions for real-world mission problems

• Validate, optimize, and deploy advanced exploitation algorithms, including algorithm design, implementation, analysis, testing, and optimization

• Guide and author data collection, analysis, and performance assessment software

• Decompose high-level customer requirements into EO/IR subsystem requirements to inform hardware, software, firmware, and systems engineering execution

• Collaborate closely with firmware development, electronics interface control, hardware engineering, software engineering, and systems engineering teams

• Design calibration and characterization experiments for EO/IR sensors, sensor models, and supporting test equipment

• Participate in engineering lab environments to test, verify, and validate sensor models and EO/IR sensor performance in accordance with requirements

• Use excellent investigative and troubleshooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab and in the field

• Work proactively to complete tasks with little direction

• Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines

• Attend technical interchange meetings with team members and other project personnel, and represent the organization in matters pertaining to project development

• Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules

• Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues

• Manage time and resources in order to meet assigned deadlines

• Support travel or off-site work, as needed

• Perform other duties as assigned

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER II (EO/IR):

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, optical sciences, science, or other technical discipline

• Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility

• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

• 8+ years of professional experience

• Experience with Python and/or MATLAB for analysis, modeling, simulation, or algorithm development

• Experience with algorithm design, implementation, analysis, testing, and optimization

• Ability to contribute to the completion of program and project milestones

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PRINCIPAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER (EO/IR):

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, opti

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