Image Processing Engineer IV

Where You'll Make an Impact

• Technical Oversight: Serve as the primary technical point of contact monitoring algorithmic development. Ensure deliverables meet rigorous mission requirements, timelines, and integration standards.
• Algorithm Development & Evaluation: Design, simulate, and evaluate advanced image processing and computer vision algorithms for real time object detection, tracking, and characterization.
• System Level Electro Optical (EO) Evaluation: Analyze and model sensor and optical system performance to determine feasibility and optimize hardware configurations for specific mission concepts.
• Algorithmic Transition & Scaling: Architect scalable algorithms that can pivot from initial point source tracking (Space Domain Awareness) to close range, resolved target processing (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations).

What It Takes

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Optical Sciences, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of experience developing image processing, computer vision, or perception algorithms, preferably for aerospace, defense, or space-based systems
• Deep expertise in image processing, computer vision, pattern recognition, and multi-target tracking algorithms operating in complex environments
• Strong proficiency in algorithm development using MATLAB, Python, C++, or similar scientific computing environments
• Experience transitioning research algorithms into mission-ready, production-quality software for operational systems
• Experience evaluating and optimizing Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, optical payloads, and image quality to support algorithm performance
• Strong understanding of sensor modeling, radiometric analysis, optical system performance, and image formation principles
• Experience designing validation frameworks, performance metrics, and test methodologies to benchmark image processing algorithms against mission requirements
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical investigations, architecture trade studies, and algorithm development efforts across multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Experience collaborating with software, autonomy, GNC, mission operations, and hardware engineering teams throughout the full system development lifecycle
• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to solve complex technical challenges under ambiguous requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical solutions to engineering leadership, customers, and external partners
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, iterative spacecraft development environment with the ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership without direct people management

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience processing or integrating Active Optical sensors like LiDAR for 3D cloud mapping or relative navigation
• Experience implementing algorithms on constrained flight hardware (FPGAs, GPUs, or embedded systems)

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Lead the development and maturation of advanced image processing and computer vision capabilities that directly support next-generation spacecraft autonomy, navigation, and mission success
• Impact – Influence the design of cutting-edge EO/IR sensing and perception systems that enable national security, civil, and commercial space missions
• Innovation – Solve complex technical challenges by advancing computer vision algorithms, evaluating emerging sensor technologies, and transitioning research into operational spacecraft capabilities
• Growth – Join a fast-moving, collaborative engineering team where you'll work alongside experts in autonomy, GNC, software, and spacecraft systems while helping shape the future of space mobility
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location

• Rockville, MD
• Hawthorne, CA
• Denver, CO

Additional Requirements

• To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.