Rocket Lab Optical Systems is hiring a Senior Machine Learning Engineer II to support Tranche 3 of SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. The role builds and deploys deep learning neural networks for advanced Electro-Optical (EO/IR) image and video processing, with integration of prototypes into operational systems.
Role Focus
You will develop machine learning solutions that support EO/IR image processing pipelines, from model design and training through deployment. Work includes building deep neural networks for image and video processing chains and collaborating with teams to integrate prototypes into operational environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop computer vision algorithms and deep neural networks for image and video processing chains.
- Collaborate with researchers and engineers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision.
- Use physics-based image simulation frameworks to scale training and validation data.
- Design, train, and deploy machine learning models for Optical Systems applications.
- Conduct rapid prototyping and enhanced development for integration into operational systems.
- Troubleshoot issues, implement bug fixes, and maintain existing and new systems.
- Stay current with ML research and evaluate new tools, frameworks, and techniques.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of experience, or a master’s degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- Strong foundation in mathematics and core machine learning concepts, including model selection, architecting, training, validation, testing, and deployment.
- Experience building deep learning neural networks (for example, CNNs) for computer vision and image processing, including object detection, image segmentation, and tracking.
- Strong math background, particularly linear algebra and optimization theory.
- Proficiency in Python.
- Experience with deep learning libraries such as Keras, TensorFlow, and PyTorch (etc.).
- Software engineering fundamentals including version control, testing, CI/CD, and containerization.
- U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
Preferred / Additional Information
- Proficiency in C/C++/Rust.
- Experience curating quality real-world datasets for training deep learning models.
- TS/SCI security clearance.
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Tools and Technologies
- Python
- Keras
- TensorFlow
- PyTorch
Location and Work Authorization Notes
Location: Littleton, CO (onsite).
For candidates seeking to work in US offices only: Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce under applicable export regulations, including ITAR.
For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only: For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. Under these regulations, you may be ineligible if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.
Compensation
Salary: USD 100,000 - 176,200 per year.
