# Principal Machine Learning Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis) at Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is hiring a Principal Machine Learning Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis). It pays $199k-$318k a year and Level rates it Builds AI ●●●●; you can [apply on Level](https://jobsbylevel.com/go/b0649673-2c70-4780-8a7b-044223fafb43).

AI Level 4, AI centrality 87 out of 100. Chantilly, VA.

## Details

- Company: [Rocket Lab](https://jobsbylevel.com/companies/rocket-lab)
- AI level: AI Level 4 (score 87 out of 100)
- Location: Chantilly, VA
- Salary: $199k-$318k
- Posted: October 11, 2026
- Apply: https://jobsbylevel.com/go/b0649673-2c70-4780-8a7b-044223fafb43

## 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. PRINCIPAL MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER 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 Principal Machine Learning Engineer 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 DO Contribute your experience to developing solutions for real-world problems. Design, train, and deploy machine learning models for Optical Systems applications Build and maintain ML pipelines for data ingestion, feature engineering, training, and inference. Collaborate with other researchers/engineers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. 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 WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR IN A PRINCIPAL MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER: Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of experience, master’s degree or a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field Strong background in machine learning including model selection, architecting, training, validation, testing, and deployment Experience in building deep learning neural network for computer vision, image processing, or video analysis (e.g., object detection, image segmentation, and tracking) Strong math background, particularly linear algebra 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 an U.S. Government Security Clearance 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.

The description is cut here. Read the full offer: https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/principal-machine-learning-engineer-eo-ir-image-analysis-at-rocket-lab-06a009

Source: https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/principal-machine-learning-engineer-eo-ir-image-analysis-at-rocket-lab-06a009

## Cite this page

Level. https://jobsbylevel.com/jobs/principal-machine-learning-engineer-eo-ir-image-analysis-at-rocket-lab-06a009.

Get job alerts: https://jobsbylevel.com/newsletter