Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Position: Senior Machine Learning Engineer I

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 some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new 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, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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. 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, Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains.

WHAT

YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Collaborate with researchers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision.
• Preform rapid prototyping and enhanced development to be integrated into operational systems.
• Contribute programming ability and experience to develop solutions for real‑world problems.
• Validate, tune, test, and deploy advanced neural networks and algorithms.
• Perform troubleshooting, bug fixes, and maintenance of existing and new code to ensure stability.
• Ability to support travel or off‑site work, as needed

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER I

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering or equivalent discipline with 5-8 years of experience
• Experience in machine learning and image processing
• Ability to obtain and maintain an U.S. Government Security Clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Proficiency in C++ or Python 3
• Experience with deep learning libraries (PyTorch and Tensor Flow)
• Experience across the deep learning life cycle, including model selection, training, validation, testing, and deployment.
• Understanding of computer vision approaches, such as object detection, image segmentation, re‑Identification, tracking, and super resolution
• Machine learning experience with 3‑D data.
• Experience curating quality, real‑world datasets for training deep learning models

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings

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.

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.,…