Junior EO/IR Algorithm Developer

Leidos’ Defense Systems, Advanced Sensors and Protective Technologies Portfolio is seeking a talented Junior EO/IR Algorithm Developer to join a multidisciplinary team to create unique solutions to complex engineering challenges in our Huntsville, AL location. This role supports the development of automated target acquisition (ATA) and automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithms for EO/IR sensor systems.

The Advanced Sensors and Protective Technologies Portfolio develops and evaluates EO/IR sensor systems and protection capabilities that improve threat detection, survivability, and overall mission effectiveness. We focus on advancing sensor system technologies through algorithm development, real-world testing, modeling and simulation, and performance analysis to help transition emerging sensor solutions into operational systems.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading!, * Develop, prototype, and refine algorithms for object detection, recognition and tracking in EO/IR imagery.

• Implement algorithms in Python for rapid prototyping and transition mature designs into production-level C++ applications.
• Apply conventional computer vision and image processing methods, as well as deep learning-based approaches (CNNs, transformer models, etc.).
• Evaluate algorithm effectiveness using quantitative metrics and qualitative analysis; characterize algorithm limitations and performance sensitivities.
• Work closely with program leadership, test teams, and modeling & simulation groups to communicate data needs, test conditions, and performance expectations.
• Prepare technical documentation, present algorithm results, and support integration into ATA/ATR software stacks.
• Contribute to dataset creation, labeling strategies, and data management workflows as needed.
• Collaborate with senior algorithm developers on system architecture and design improvements.

• Master’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 0+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with Python for scientific computing and algorithm prototyping (NumPy, SciPy, scikit-Image, OpenCV, scikit-learn, PyTorch, or TensorFlow).
• Familiarity with C++ development and willingness to grow toward production-quality implementation.
• Foundational knowledge of image processing and computer vision techniques (e.g. filtering, segmentation, feature extraction, optical flow).
• Basic understanding of deep learning methods for detection/recognition/tracking.
• Ability to analyze algorithm performance, identify limitation, and clearly communicate findings.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with version control (Git), JIRA, Agile workflows, and software engineering fundamentals.
• Candidate must be a resident of the North Alabama area or willing to relocate to the Huntsville - North Alabama, AL area.
• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and possess (and be able to maintain) a Final Secret Clearance or meet the eligibility to obtain (and maintain) a Final Secret Clearance., * Active SECRET clearance or above.
• Familiarity with EO/IR imaging system concepts (pixels, noise, dynamic range, contrast, spectral bands)
• Exposure to embedded systems, GPU acceleration (CUDA), or real-time processing pipelines.
• Experience working with large datasets and automated evaluation frameworks.
• Knowledge of ATA/ATR concepts, evaluation metrics, and operational considerations.

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That’s why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business., Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com .