Rocket Lab

Senior Machine Learning Engineer I

Rocket Lab$120K — $145K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and 5+ years or Master's degree and 3+ years of experience, or Ph.D. in relevant fields.
  • Strong machine learning background with model selection, architecture, training, and deployment.
  • Experience in deep learning neural networks for computer vision and image processing.
  • Solid foundation in mathematics, particularly linear algebra.
  • Proficient in Python and familiar with deep learning libraries (Keras, TensorFlow, Pytorch).
  • Knowledge of software engineering principles, including version control and CI/CD practices.
  • U.S. citizenship required, with the ability to obtain a government security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Develop solutions addressing real-world problems using machine learning.
  • Design, train, and deploy machine learning models specific to Optical Systems.
  • Build and maintain machine learning pipelines for data handling and model inference.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on AI, machine learning, and computer vision projects.
  • Conduct rapid prototyping and system integration for operational applications.
  • Troubleshoot and maintain existing machine learning systems and workflows.
  • Continually evaluate and stay updated with the latest in machine learning research and methodologies.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge space technology projects.
  • Dynamic and collaborative team environment focused on innovation.
  • Challenging and impactful role with direct contributions to national defense initiatives.
  • Support for ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.
  • Flexible work conditions within a mission-driven culture.
Full Job Description
SENIOR MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER I

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

As a Senior Machine Learning Engineer I based at our Optical Systems sites in Tucson, AZ, 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 SENIOR MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER I:
  • Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience, master's degree and 3+ years of experience, 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.

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.

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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