Image Processing Engineer IV

Image Processing Engineer IV

Rockville, MD

Role Scope:

The Image Processing Engineer IV will serve as a principal technical authority for advanced optical payload and image processing applications. This role balances high level technical oversight of algorithmic deliverables with hands on development and evaluation of flight ready computer vision and image processing algorithms. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between hardware capabilities (sensor/optics) and software execution, driving the autonomous processing capabilities for critical space missions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Oversight: Serve as the primary technical point of contact monitoring a algorithmic development. Ensure deliverables meet rigorous mission requirements, timelines, and integration standards.
• Algorithm Development & Evaluation: Design, simulate, and evaluate advanced image processing and computer vision algorithms for real time object detection, tracking, and characterization.
• System Level Electro Optical (EO) Evaluation: Analyze and model sensor and optical system performance to determine feasibility and optimize hardware configurations for specific mission concepts.
• Algorithmic Transition & Scaling: Architect scalable algorithms that can pivot from initial point source tracking (Space Domain Awareness) to close range, resolved target processing (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations).

Qualifications & Competencies

• Required Education: Master's or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Optical Sciences, or a related technical discipline.
• Core Technical Skills:
• Deep expertise in image processing, computer vision, and pattern recognition (e.g., edge detection, feature extraction, filtering, and multi-target tracking).
• Strong proficiency in modeling and simulation environments (such as MATLAB, Python, or C++).
• Experience with Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor modeling, radiometric budgets, and optical system performance metrics.
• Soft Skills & Domain Expertise:
• Proven experience managing technical milestones and requirements with external vendors or subcontractors.
• Familiarity with space-based operational domains, orbital mechanics, or satellite subsystem constraints.
• Preferred (Nice-to-Have):
• Experience processing or integrating Active Optical sensors like LiDAR for 3D cloud mapping or relative navigation.
• Experience implementing algorithms on constrained flight hardware (FPGAs, GPUs, or embedded systems).
• Years of Experience:
• 8 to 12+ years of progressive experience in image processing and computer vision engineering, preferably within the aerospace, defense, or space systems industry.