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

Rocket Lab · Tucson, AZ · Payload · first seen 2026-07-31

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components. Our Electron rocket has launched more than 230 satellites and is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle.

Optical Systems Division

Rocket Lab's 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. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation, we deliver responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

The Role

As a Senior/Principal Systems Engineer (EO/IR) based in Tucson, AZ, you will provide quantitative technical guidance, requirements decomposition, modeling and simulation, algorithm assessment, and EO/IR sensor performance evaluation. This position can be hired at the Senior Systems Engineer II or Principal Systems Engineer level.

What You'll Do

Collaborate with researchers on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision projects
Perform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to support integration into operational systems
Develop and modify simulations for 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 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 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 to meet assigned deadlines
Support travel or off-site work as needed

Qualifications for Senior Systems Engineer II

Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, science, or other technical discipline
Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
U.S. citizenship 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

Qualifications for Principal Systems Engineer

Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, science, or other technical discipline
Active Secret/Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
12+ 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

Nice to Have

Master's degree or PhD in Physics, optical sciences, science, or another technical discipline
Hands-on expertise with electro-optical systems, infrared imaging systems, light sources, military systems, and/or space payloads
Working knowledge of MATLAB, Python, and C++ including computer interfacing techniques
Knowledge of optical design and analysis tools such as Zemax, Code V, and FRED
Expertise in modeling and simulation including multiple EO/IR phenomenologies
Subject matter expertise using MATLAB or Python for analysis of complex data sets
Experience with space systems applications supporting customer programs
Experience briefing analysis results to technical and non-technical government customers
Experience across all phases of product development including proposal design architectures, requirements generation, design development, integration, verification, and transition to production
Experience managing or leading others in a technical and/or functional capacity within an engineering environment
Excellent communication and documentation skills
Experience in a dynamic and high-visibility role
Team player incorporating a team-based success philosophy

Working Conditions

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.