Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable important space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

At Rocket Lab, we’re building the future of space with a world-class Space Systems team that creates complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and the components and subsystems that enable them to thrive in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and ISR challenges for DoD and IC customers. Our vision is to revolutionize the space-based payload market with innovative designs for space, terrestrial, and airborne environments. Building on more than 20 years of electro-optical and infrared systems innovation from Geost, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing across all orbital domains.

As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer I based at our Optical Systems site in Chantilly, VA, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers on high-impact ML, AI, and computer vision projects. Join a driven team of pioneers tackling challenging projects and making an impact on the future of space.

• Collaborate with researchers on projects related to machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision
• Perform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems
• Contribute your programming ability to develop robust solutions for real-world problems
• Validate, optimize, and deploy advanced exploitation algorithms
• Troubleshoot, fix bugs, and maintain existing and new code to ensure stability and robustness
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Ability to support travel or off-site work, as needed

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field
• 5+ years of software experience
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance
• Proficiency in Python
• Experience with deep learning libraries (PyTorch, Tensor Flow, etc.)
• Strong background in both classical and modern (deep learning) machine learning including model selection, architecting, training, validation, testing, and deployment
• Understanding of tasks such as Object Detection, Segmentation, Re-Identification, Tracking, Super Resolution
• Ability to apply modern AI approaches to solve real-world problems

• Machine learning experience with imagery or 3-D data
• Master’s degree or PhD in a related field
• Classical machine learning methods
• Experience with AWS, Docker, Agile development
• Experience curating real-world datasets for training deep learning models
• Proficiency in C++, MATLAB

• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. We out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on supporting each other, staying pragmatic, and collaborating on tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and focus on delivering results.

For candidates seeking to work in US offices only: ITAR compliance requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or other eligible status. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation during the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at  For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices: background checks may be conducted prior to employment.

More details about ITAR and regulatory requirements are provided by Rocket Lab in the posting.