# Principal Machine Learning Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis) Source: https://realanalystjobs.com/job/principal-machine-learning-engineer-eo-ir-image-analysis-rocket-lab-6da32b8a Principal Machine Learning Engineer (EO/IR Image Analysis) at Rocket Lab, an on-site role based in Tucson, Arizona, USA. Experience level: 20 Years. Posted on 11 October 2026, read from Rocket Lab's own careers page (Greenhouse), which RealAnalystJobs re-checks daily and removes the role when it closes. The posting says the employer will not sponsor a visa for this role. Rocket Lab has approved H-1B petitions on USCIS record (employer-wide, not a promise for this role). Updated 15 November 2026. ## Key facts - Company: [Rocket Lab](https://realanalystjobs.com/companies/rocket-lab) - Location: Tucson, Arizona, USA - Work mode: On-site - Posted: Oct 11, 2026 - Employment type: Full time - Experience level: 20 Years - Source: Rocket Lab's careers page (Greenhouse), re-checked daily Skills: [Python](https://realanalystjobs.com/skills/python) ## Visa sponsorship The posting says the employer will not sponsor a visa for this role. Rocket Lab had H-1B petitions approved for 4 workers in fiscal year 2026 (USCIS). That is history, not a promise for this role. [See the record](https://realanalystjobs.com/companies/rocket-lab#h1b-record) ## About this role ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us. SPACE SYSTEMS Rocket Lab’s Space Systems division builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios. The Space Systems division has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help get to space - our Space Systems division is empowering the boldest and most ambitious space missions. PRINCIPAL MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER Rocket Lab Optical Systems solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance challenges for Department of Defense and Intelligence Community 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 from Geost, Rocket Lab Optical Systems delivers solutions to the warfighter for responsive, scalable sensing solutions across all orbital domains. As Principal Machine Learning Engineer for Rocket Lab Optical Systems 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 • Develop computer vision algorithms and deep neural networks for image and video processing chains. • Collaborate with other researchers/engineers on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. • Work with physics-based image simulation frameworks to scale training and validation data. • Design, train, and deploy machine learning models for Optical Systems applications. • 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 PRINCIPAL MACHINE LEARNING ENGINEER: • Bachelor's degree and 12+ years of experience, master’s degree or a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field. • Strong background in math and fundamentals of machine learning, including model selection, architecting, training, validation, testing, and deployment • Experience in building deep learning neural networks (e.g., CNN) for computer vision, image processing, or analyses, e.g., object detection, image segmentation, and tracking) • Strong math background, particularly linear algebra and optimization theory • 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 a 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. 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 . Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, pla Description from Rocket Lab's public careers feed, reproduced so you can read the role here. Apply on the company's own site; Real Analyst Jobs never submits anything for you. ## How to apply Open [this role on Real Analyst Jobs](https://realanalystjobs.com/job/principal-machine-learning-engineer-eo-ir-image-analysis-rocket-lab-6da32b8a) and use Apply now there to reach the employer's application. The listing is re-checked against Rocket Lab's careers page daily and removed when it closes. ## Rocket Lab 8 open analyst roles on Real Analyst Jobs. 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