Data Scientist I

DATA SCIENTIST I - OPTICAL, PHYSICS, AND MATH

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 Data Scientist I for Rocket Lab Optical Systems in Tucson, AZ, you will have an opportunity to support Tranche 3 of the U.S. Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture by modelling, simulation, prototyping, and characterization of advanced EO/IR payloads that support national defense space missions.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Guide/author data collection and analysis software
• Analyze and assess payload calibration data
• Shadow algorithm development SME
• Collaborate closely with firmware development, electronics interface control, and optical teams
• Use excellent investigative and trouble-shooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab and in the field
• Communicate effectively with project management, customers, and team members across disciplines
• Attend technical interchange meetings with team members and other project personnel, and represent the organization in matters pertaining to the development of projects
• Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules
• Review documents and resolve technical engineering and integration issues
• Manage time and resources to meet assigned deadlines
• Develop detection and calibration algorithms for optical systems throughout their product lifecycle
• Simulate all parts of the electro-optical payloads: radiometric, detector, optical prescriptions
• Be a self-starter who takes initiatives, identifies problems and presents solutions

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A DATA SCIENTIST I:

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related field.
• Ability to obtain security clearance
• Experience in optical systems development, performance modeling, and/or data analysis
• Strong data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Working knowledge of MATLAB, python, C/C++

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's or PhD preferred.
• Experience with EO/IR payloads, infrared focal planes, or space-based sensor systems
• Experience writing alignment procedures, test scripts, and verification plans
• Experience with automated test equipment or optical STE
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance
• Hands-on experience with optical alignment, metrology, interferometry, and imaging-system characterization
• Hands-on expertise with electro-optical systems, imaging systems, light sources, and/or military/space payloads

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.

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.