Algorithm Engineer

Algorithm Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on developing, validating, and optimizing advanced algorithms for EO/IR sensor data in support of mission-critical space and defense applications. You will work across the full lifecycle of algorithm development, from modeling and simulation through deployment and performance assessment, using tools such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to high-impact space systems and payload missions, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and optimize algorithms for EO/IR sensor data, including noise reduction, image enhancement, image registration, correction, and pattern recognition.

• Apply pattern recognition techniques to detect, classify, and track objects in EO/IR data for mission-critical applications.

• Build and enhance modeling and simulation libraries, including developing and using image simulators to generate synthetic EO/IR data for algorithm development, testing, and validation in support of EO/IR payload missions.

• Support and enhance existing operational programs by maintaining and improving deployed algorithms, troubleshooting fielded systems, and ensuring ongoing system performance and reliability.

• Implement and test algorithm improvements in deployed systems to support evolving mission needs.

• Use strong programming skills in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ to develop robust, production-ready solutions for real-world mission problems.

• Analyze large and complex EO/IR datasets to extract features, identify patterns, and assess algorithm performance.

• Develop and document software tools for data collection, analysis, and performance assessment.

• Translate high-level customer requirements into algorithm and subsystem requirements to guide software and systems engineering execution.

• Document and present algorithm performance results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including government customers.

• Attend technical interchange meetings and represent the organization on matters related to algorithm and project development.

• Provide clear status updates on assigned tasks, deliverables, and program schedules.

• Support travel or off-site work as required to meet program and customer needs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in physics, optical sciences, computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Demonstrated experience in image processing or EO/IR systems.

• Proficiency in algorithm development for EO/IR data, including noise reduction, enhancement, registration, correction, and pattern recognition.

• Strong programming skills in MATLAB.

• Strong programming skills in Python.

• Strong programming skills in C or C++.

• Experience analyzing large and complex EO/IR datasets to extract features and evaluate algorithm performance.

• Ability to develop, test, and validate algorithms in a modeling and simulation environment.

• Ability to document and present technical results clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with modeling and simulation for EO/IR systems and payload missions.

• Experience in product development for EO/IR or related sensor systems.

• Experience contributing to proposal activities, including algorithm design concepts and system architectures.

• Experience with requirements generation, including translating high-level needs into detailed algorithm and subsystem requirements.

• Experience supporting design development, integration, and deployment of algorithms into operational systems.

• Comfort representing technical work in technical interchange meetings and cross-functional forums.

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite role in a fast-paced space systems environment focused on real hardware and mission-critical software. The position offers a flexible start time, typically between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., while maintaining standard full-time hours. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams working on spacecraft, payloads, and subsystems for a wide range of space missions. Daily work involves intensive use of software development and analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, and C/C++, along with modeling and simulation frameworks for EO/IR systems. The culture emphasizes rapid iteration, innovation, and delivering reliable solutions that support ambitious space missions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $90.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 31, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tucson,AZ.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.