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 mission-critical space activities including scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate-change initiatives, national security, and technology demonstrations. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to components and subsystems crucial for space operations.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives. We work with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force to deliver high-performance spacecraft, constellation systems, and vertically integrated components that enable space missions.

SENIOR MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER I

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, 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 Tucson, AZ, you will collaborate with researchers on high-impact ML, AI, and computer vision projects. You will 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 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, architecture, training, validation, testing, and deployment
• Understanding of object detection, segmentation, re-identification, tracking, and super resolution
• Ability to apply modern AI approaches to solve real-world problems

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

• Vision abilities required: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception; ability to focus
• Regularly sit, use hands and fingers, operate 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 pride ourselves on supporting each other, rolling up our sleeves on tasks big and small, and delivering under pressure with deadlines.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact our team.