Senior Space Surveillance Engineer, Sensor Development & Image Processing

Meet Slingshot At Slingshot Aerospace, we're on a mission to make space safer and more secure for everyone. Our work directly impacts global security, disaster response, climate monitoring, and the critical infrastructure that connects our world. We're a team of builders, thinkers, and problem-solvers who believe that the next generation of space operations will be powered by better data and smarter software. We move fast, we're not afraid to fail, and we believe the best ideas can come from anywhere—whether you're in engineering, sales, product, or operations. If you want to work on something that truly matters, with people who care deeply about the impact we're making and help shape the future of an industry that's just getting started, you're in the right place. What You’ll Be Launching As a Senior member of Space Surveillance Research and Development (R&D) technical staff, you will take a lead role advancing Slingshot’s efforts to accelerate the security, safety, and sustainability of space through the detection, tracking, identification, and characterization of satellites and space debris. This role includes a specialization in real-time image processing and GPU-accelerated systems, with a strong emphasis on the design and development of space surveillance sensor systems across the Global Sensor Network. This work will include a subset of: (i) designing and developing sensing systems for space surveillance applications; (ii) development of software and hardware interfaces for ground- and space-based gimbaled and non-gimbaled sensor systems; (iii) development of state-of-the-art real-time detection, calibration, and mount control algorithms; (iv) modeling, simulation, and analysis of sensor network capabilities; and (v) development of robust software to autonomously operate remote observatories in GPU-accelerated environments. Your Mission (Should you choose to accept it) Execute all responsibilities in alignment with Slingshot’s mission, purpose, and values Lead and contribute to the design, development, and integration of space surveillance sensor systems across the Global Sensor Network Perform system-level design, simulation, and integration of hardware and software components for advanced space surveillance systems Design and implement real-time image processing pipelines in GPU-accelerated environments Develop algorithms and software for sensor data tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination Apply signal processing and image calibration techniques to improve detection and tracking performance Develop and optimize C++ and Python (including PyTorch) applications for high-performance computing environments Support transitions of Slingshot’s products and services to the Slingshot Global Sensor Network (SGSN), space operations centers, and other testbeds Engage with customers and stakeholders to support mission-critical outcomes Contribute to product strategy and technical direction through subject matter expertise Prepare technical reports and briefing materials Present technical work to internal and external stakeholders Serve as a technical expert in space surveillance, sensor development, and real-time processing systems Lead execution of individual and small team technical efforts and contribute to larger cross-team initiatives Mentor team members and share subject matter expertise Lead technical contributions to proposals and new business efforts Champion internal research and development initiatives Perform other duties as assigned (less than 10% of responsibilities listed above) Pre-flight Checklist Undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, or a related field, or equivalent experience 7+ years of relevant experience, including experience with real-time image processing and/or sensor system development Strong programming experience in C++ and Python Experience developing and deploying applications in GPU-accelerated environments, including use of CUDA Experience with PyTorch or similar frameworks for high-performance or machine learning applications Background in signal processing, algorithm design, and linear algebra Experience with image calibration and working with space-based or sensor coordinate systems Experience contributing to the design, development, or integration of sensor systems Ability to design, implement, and optimize real-time processing pipelines Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to varied audiences Ability to travel up to 5% domestically and internationally as needed Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for and able to obtain and maintain a security clearance Bonus Cargo Graduate degree in a relevant technical field or equivalent experience Advanced experience optimizing GPU-based systems for real-time performance Experience with embedded or edge computing systems for sensor platforms Experience with astrodynamics, estimation theory, or space domain awareness applications Experience integrating software with optical or mechanical sensing systems Familiarity with distributed sensor networks and autonomous observatory operations Experience working in early-stage or high-growth environments Experience contributing to research, publications, or advanced technical proposals We're building a constellation here, not looking for identical satellites. Every member of the team brings different capabilities to the same mission. If your orbit intersects with ours and you're mission-ready, send it. Location: Remote, US Salary: $150,000-$250,000 Classification: Full time Exempt (learned professional exemption) US-based Candidates: we are currently only able to hire residents of the following U.S. states: AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV We are unable to consider candidates residing in other U.S. states at this time. Internationally-based Candidates: we are currently only able to hire residents of the following locations: United Kingdom. We are unable to consider candidates residing in other countries at this time. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion are key to our success. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for creating a safer, more connected world. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also national origin, citizenship, sex, color, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic that is part of one’s identity. All of our employees’ points of view are key to our success, and we embrace individuality.