Principal Machine Learning Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis)

• Develop computer vision algorithms and deep neural networks for image and video processing chains.
• Collaborate with other researchers/engineers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision.
• Work with physics-based image simulation frameworks to scale training and validation data.
• Design, train, and deploy machine learning models for Optical Systems applications.
• Preform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems.
• Perform troubleshooting, bug fixes, and maintenance of existing and new systems.
• Stay current with ML research and evaluate new tools, frameworks, and techniques., Develops and maintains software requirements, architectures, algorithms, APIs, backend services, and user interfaces for SATCOM mission-planning systems. Supports Agile and DevSecOps development across design, integration, testing, and deployment, including CI/CD automation, vulnerability scanning, code reviews, and performance optimization. The role works with space and ground systems, geospatial visualization, databases, Kubernetes, and modern front-end technologies. It requires active Secret clearance, U.S. citizenship, full-time onsite work in Colorado Springs, and up to 10% travel. Top Skills: AgileC++Ci/CdDevsecopsGitlabJavaJavaScriptKubernetesNoSQLPostgresPythonSQLTypescript, Boeing, Develop and maintain requirements, architecture, APIs, interfaces, and algorithms for SATCOM mission planning software. Support full software lifecycle in Agile/DevSecOps environments, build backend services, implement CI/CD pipelines, perform code reviews, and translate designs into modern front-end interfaces emphasizing automation, testing, security, and performance. Top Skills: 2D/3D Geospatial VisualizationAutomated TestingC++Ci/CdDevsecopsGitlabJavaJavaScriptKubernetesNoSQLPostgresPythonSQLTypescriptVulnerability Scanning Boeing

• Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of experience, master’s degree or a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• Strong background in math and fundamentals of machine learning, including model selection, architecting, training, validation, testing, and deployment
• Experience in building deep learning neural networks (e.g., CNN) for computer vision, image processing, or analyses, e.g., object detection, image segmentation, and tracking)
• Strong math background, particularly linear algebra and optimization theory
• Proficiency in Python
• Experience with deep learning libraries (Keras, TensorFlow, Pytorch, etc)
• Software engineering fundamentals: version control, testing, CI/CD, containerization
• S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

NICE TO HAVE:

• 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.

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world’s fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you’ll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans, dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Total Compensation (base and equity) $153,000-$244,800 USD Base Salary $171,800-$229,000 USD, In-Office Colorado Springs, CO, USA 148K-200K Annually Senior level 148K-200K Annually Senior level Aerospace * Information Technology * Software * Cybersecurity * Design * Defense * Manufacturing Leads DevSecOps software engineering for tactical enterprise systems, integrating security into development and operations. Designs and maintains automated CI/CD pipelines, performs software analysis and risk mitigation, leads code reviews, testing, verification, documentation, technology adoption, supplier management, and deployment activities. The role requires extensive Kubernetes, identity management, infrastructure-as-code, hybrid cloud, and IT architecture experience, along with an active U.S. Secret clearance and fully onsite work in Colorado Springs. Top Skills: Active DirectoryAmazon CloudfrontAmazon CloudwatchAmazon DynamodbAmazon Ec2Amazon EcrAmazon EksAmazon RdsAmazon Route 53Amazon S3Amazon SnsAmazon SqsAnsibleAuto ScalingAws CloudformationAws CloudtrailAws ConfigAws Developer ToolsAws IamAws LambdaAws VpcAzure AksCisco IosDevsecopsDisa StigsDod RmfElastic Load BalancingGitIcdsJenkinsJsigKerberosKubernetesNispomNistOpenldapOracle Enterprise LinuxPostgresRed Hat Enterprise LinuxTerraformWindows Server

What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene

With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.

Key Facts About Colorado Tech

• Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
• Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
• Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
• Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
• Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
• Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, 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, and radios.

The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have 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 the vertically integrated components that help get to space - our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions., Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community 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, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.