Image Processing Engineer III

Rockville, MD or Hawthorne, CA or Denver, CO Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high‑mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly. Who We’re Looking For We are seeking an Image Processing Engineer III who will be responsible for transitioning algorithm prototypes from conceptual design to operational readiness. This role requires an engineer who can design mathematical models to solve complex tracking and navigation problems under difficult lighting and environmental conditions. Beyond core development, this engineer will define and execute validation protocols to evaluate alternative or competitor algorithms against mission requirements. Additionally, the role bridges the gap between software and hardware by evaluating the feasibility of various sensor and optical systems to ensure they can deliver the input fidelity necessary for algorithmic success. Where You’ll Make an Impact Algorithm Development & Engineering: Advance and mature image processing and computer vision prototypes into production‑ready software solutions. Multi‑Feature & Target Tracking: Design and implement robust estimation logic to track and localize multiple visual features simultaneously within dynamic or challenging environments. Statistical Error & Uncertainty Analysis: Develop mathematical models to estimate data confidence, handle measurement uncertainties, and provide reliable covariance metrics for downstream navigation or data fusion filters. Data Filtering & Optimization: Implement robust outlier rejection, noise filtering, and subpixel refinement techniques to ensure high data precision and system stability. Trade Studies & Benchmarking: Establish rigorous validation frameworks, simulation scenarios, and benchmarks to objectively evaluate and compare the performance of alternative algorithms. Hardware‑Software Integration: Analyze and simulate the impacts of sensor and optical hardware characteristics (e.g., resolution, lens distortions, lighting sensitivity) on algorithm performance to guide system‑level design choices. Interface & API Design: Define, maintain, and implement clear software interfaces, data contracts, and schema‑validated API structures for seamless integration into larger architectures. What It Takes Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field. An advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) with relevant research may be considered in lieu of some professional experience. 5+ years of hands‑on experience developing computer vision, image processing, or estimation algorithms in a production, research, or mission‑critical environment. Strong foundation in computer vision, image processing, estimation theory, linear algebra, probability, statistics, and numerical optimization. Experience developing software in C++ and/or Python for algorithm development, simulation, and performance evaluation. Experience designing, validating, and optimizing algorithms using real‑world sensor data, synthetic datasets, or simulation environments. Familiarity with camera systems, optical sensors, image formation, calibration, and the effects of lighting and environmental conditions on algorithm performance. Experience with software development best practices, including version control, testing, debugging, documentation, and collaborative development workflows. Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively and collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams. What You’ll Get Ownership – Lead the development of advanced image processing and computer vision algorithms from concept through operational deployment, with direct influence on mission‑critical spacecraft capabilities Impact – Solve complex tracking, navigation, and estimation challenges that enable autonomous spacecraft operations across national security, civil, and commercial space missions Innovation – Work at the intersection of software, mathematics, optics, and sensor technologies to develop next‑generation vision systems that push the boundaries of space autonomy Growth – Join a fast‑moving, collaborative engineering team where you’ll partner with experts across software, GNC, autonomy, and spacecraft systems while expanding your technical expertise on cutting‑edge space missions Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing Location: Rockville, MD; or Hawthorne, CA; or Denver, CO The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space’s total compensation package. Additional Requirements To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Voluntary Self‑Identification For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey. Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file. 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