Senior Algorithm Engineer II (EO/IR Image Analysis)

The job

LIVE Employer public job feed (private-sector employer) Source: the employer's public careers feed · Data: listed 2026-09-16

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

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.

SENIOR ALGORITHM ENGINEER II - (EO/IR IMAGE ANALYSIS)

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.

As a Senior Algorithm Engineer II for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Chantilly, VA, you will have the opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's (SDA) Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and beyond by building deep learning neural networks for advanced Electro-Optical (EO/IR) image processing.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• 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

YOU’LL BRING THSES QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR ALGORITHM ENGINEER II

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of experience, master's degree with 5+ years of experience, or Ph.D. with 2+ years of experience in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline with demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.
• 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

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE 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.

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 state of Virginia’s pay transparency requirements. 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.

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

Explore around this job

Field: Engineering, Construction and Energy Sub-niche: Manufacturing and hardware engineering All jobs at Rocket Lab Corporation Jobs in Virginia Jobs in Chantilly, VA Chantilly city guide Virginia state guide Fairfax County economy

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About the role

This is a — role in the Engineering, Construction and Energy field (Manufacturing and hardware engineering) at Rocket Lab Corporation.

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The city

The job is in Chantilly, VA. Below is what the official statistics say about living and working there.

How Chantilly compares. Among the 100 largest places in Virginia, Chantilly is #51 by population, #18 for homeownership (#1 = highest), #19 for household income (#1 = highest), #74 for rent (#1 = cheapest). Its county, Fairfax County, is #3 of 133 counties for average pay ($114,100).

The place in numbers

Chantilly has 24,036 residents (ACS 2020–2024), about 0.3% of the population of Virginia. It covers 12 square miles of land, which works out to roughly 2,003 people per square mile. The median age is 41.3, 6% older than the state median (41.3 against 39.0). It is a census-designated place: a community the Census Bureau counts as a unit, without a city government of its own, so services such as police, roads and zoning usually come from the county.

Housing

The median gross rent is $2,312 a month (rent plus utilities), 46% above the state median ($2,312 against $1,579). Over a year that is 17.7% of the median household income. US housing guidance treats housing as affordable when it takes 30% of income or less, so the typical household is under that line. The median home value is $663,600, which is 4.2 times the median household income ($157,124). 81.1% of households own their home, 20% above the state average (81.1% against 67.3%).

Work and pay

The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area has 3,136,190 jobs in the BLS wage survey, and the median pay across all occupations is $71,060 a year, 39% above the national median ($71,060 against $50,980). The biggest occupation groups are business and financial operations (369,190 jobs, median $105,260); management (319,760 jobs, median $165,010); office and administrative support (290,050 jobs, median $53,250). The area is most specialised in legal (2.6 times) and computer and mathematical (2.2 times), where the share of workers is well above the national share. The best-paying groups with at least 5,000 jobs are legal ($175,070) and management ($165,010). In 2026M09 the unemployment rate of Fairfax County was 3.4%. 69.8% of residents aged 16 and over are in the labour force. The city lies in Fairfax County; its jobs, pay by industry and GDP are on the county page.

Getting around

Among workers, 59.3% drive alone, 1.6% use public transit, 1.5% walk, 24.2% work from home. 18.2% of workers commute 45 minutes or more, 4% above the state average (18.2% against 17.6%). Remote work is more common than in the state as a whole, which widens the set of employers a resident can work for without moving.

People and education

59.7% of adults aged 25 and over hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 42% above the state share (59.7% against 42.2%). 42.9% of residents were born outside the United States, 227% above the state share (42.9% against 13.1%). The poverty rate is 5.8%, 41% below the state rate (5.8% against 9.9%).

Climate

The warmest month is Jul, averaging 78°F (25.6°C), and the coolest is Jan at 31°F (-0.4°C). About 1,117 mm (44 inches) of precipitation falls in a year; May is the wettest month (120 mm) and Jan the driest (65 mm). These values come from NASA satellite-based climatology on a grid of about 50 km, so they describe the wider area, not a weather station in the city.

Nearby cities to compare

Closest cities in this guide: Franklin Farm (3 miles, rent 14% higher); Centreville (3 miles, similar rent); South Riding (4 miles, rent 26% higher); McNair (5 miles, similar rent). Rent differences are against Chantilly; use the Compare tab to put any two cities side by side.

Full guide to Chantilly →Virginia guideAll jobs in Chantilly

Official links for Chantilly

• Census Bureau data profile for Chantilly
• Official state website: virginia.gov
• BLS Economy at a Glance: Virginia

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Where to live

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Career paths

We could not match this title to one occupation, so here are the other sub-niches in Engineering, Construction and Energy, where your skills may carry over:

Construction and field engineering (447) Energy and utilities (599)

Distances

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The employer

Rocket Lab Corporation is the employer in this listing. See all its open jobs here →

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What it is like to work at a company (culture, schedules, benefits) is not in the source data, so we do not describe it. Read the description and ask the questions under "How to prepare".

Other open jobs at Rocket Lab Corporation

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Same sub-niche: Manufacturing and hardware engineering

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FAQ

What is the Senior Algorithm Engineer II (EO/IR Image Analysis) job at Rocket Lab Corporation?

A private-sector role in engineering, construction and energy (manufacturing and hardware engineering) listed 54 days ago. The full description is on this page and on the employer's page.

Where is this job?

Chantilly, VA.

How do I apply?

Use the "View this job and apply on the employer's page" button. AtiveSite does not receive applications.

How much does it pay?

The listing does not publish pay, and we could not match the title to one official occupation.

What is the cost of living there?

Median rent in Chantilly is $2,312 a month and median household income $157,124 (ACS 2020–2024).

How old is this listing?

It was posted on 2026-09-16 (54 days ago). Jobs older than 90 days are not shown.

Are there similar jobs?

Yes: browse manufacturing and hardware engineering jobs in Virginia.

Sources and terms

• Job data: Rocket Lab Corporation careers page public feed (listing dated 2026-09-16). The job disappears from this site when it disappears from the source.
• Wages and projections: BLS OEWS (May 2025) and Employment Projections 2025–35.
• City and county figures: Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, BEA, BLS QCEW and LAUS, NASA POWER climatology; distances from Census Gazetteer coordinates.

AtiveSite is not affiliated with or endorsed by the employer or any government agency, and does not process applications. Verify every detail with the employer before acting.

Sources

• BLS OEWS (wages and employment by occupation, May 2025)
• BLS Employment Projections 2025–35
• BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics
• BLS JOLTS
• BLS State and Metro Area Employment
• Census Bureau American Community Survey (via Census Reporter)
• BEA GDP by state and Regional Price Parities
• IRS 2026 tax adjustments
• U.S. Department of Labor, minimum wage by state
• Tax Foundation state income tax rates 2026
• USAJOBS
• USCIS
• U.S. Department of State, visas
• NASA POWER climatology
• GeoNames / Census Gazetteer (coordinates)