Senior Computer Vision Engineer, Space

We are looking for a Senior Computer Vision Engineer to join our rapidly growing team in Costa Mesa, CA. In this role, you will be responsible for working on and understanding the design of all perception subsystems to include but not limited to hardware sensors and advanced processing platforms, navigation algorithms, flight software implementation, subsystem integration & test (I&T), and vehicle I&T.

The computer vision engineering team will work closely with related teams, including Sensors, GNC, Avionics, Systems, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. The Computer Vision Engineer will work algorithm design, truth and physics modeling, scene rendering, simulation and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include but not limited to LEO, MEO, GEO, Reentry, and RPOD (Rendezvous Proximity Operations and Docking).

The CV Engineer will help lead successful implementation, validation and CV operations of Anduril’s fleet of space vehicles. This role is directly tied to ongoing, funded programs within Anduril’s Space Business Line. The programs require building and fielding a resilient, software-defined spacecraft systems across numerous mission threads. We work with mission partners and customers to deploy reliable and robust capabilities on operationally-relevant fielding timelines to meet complex challenges across the DOD and IC.

The position requires a strong background in computer vision, machine learning, and software development, with experience in developing and implementing computer vision algorithms for space-based applications. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of computer vision principles, including object detection, tracking, and recognition, as well as experience with software development in languages such as C++ and Python.

Key Responsibilities:

• Propose and prototype innovative solutions to solve real-world problems, leveraging the latest state-of-the-art techniques in the field
• Develop and maintain core libraries and runtime applications
• Integrate classical and geometric methods in computer vision with ML methods
• Work space vehicle CV software and hardware subsystems for various spacecraft efforts in all orbital regimes and work closely with partners for successful implementation
• Develop modern, software-defined approaches to autonomous spacecraft operations with maneuvering capabilities to successfully accomplish mission objectives
• Develop appropriate test plans and procedures to validate the CV system during ground checkout, on-orbit commissioning and operations
• Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality
• Coordinate with end-users, other operators and customers to turn needs into features while balancing user experience with engineering constraints
• Support challenging schedules during ground testing, launch windows and on-orbit operations of the spacecraft systems
• Design of flight software and firmware, algorithms, and simulation products
• Development of space vehicle autonomy tools for dynamic space operations
• Test process development and execution
• Define automated fault detection and responses
• Provide hardware-in-the-loop and monte-carlo simulation capabilities

Required Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in Machine Learning, Robotics or Computer Science, Image Science with emphasis on Computer Vision
• BS in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Advanced professional experience developing and benchmarking ML algorithms on large-scale datasets
• High proficiency in C++ development in a Linux environment
• Experience in one or more of the following: Objection Detection, Object Tracking, Instance Segmentation, Semantic Segmentation, Semantic Change Detection, Natural Feature Tracking (NFT)
• Experience in one or more of the following: Visual Odometry, SLAM, Multi-view Geometry, Structure from Motion, 3D Geometry, Discriminative Correlation Filters, Stereo, Neural 3D Reconstruction, Multi-band sensor processing, RGB-D and LIDAR Sensor Fusion
• Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements
• Familiarity with terminal guidance, rendezvous proximity operations and docking, orbital mechanics with propulsive spacecraft, and/or spacecraft/missile GNC
• Clear communication and organizational skills including documentation and training material
• Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Matlab, Simulink, Python, Go, C++ and/or Linux systems
• A desire to work on critical software and hardware designs in the space domain
• Strong preference for candidates possessing computer vision, vision navigation, image processing, feature tracking, SLAM, Open CV, and NFT
• Experience testing CV subsystems in laboratory environments that mimic the space environmental constraints
• Experience with orbital mechanics and resident space object tracking capabilities
• Experience conducting spacecraft operations and satellite command and control with an emphasis on system reliability and uptime
• Experience with testing/validation leveraging FlatSats, Hardware-in-the-Loop testbeds and digital spacecraft simulators through nominal and fault scenarios
• Experience with computer vision and perception algorithms to support GNC operations
• Experience developing 3-DOF simplified and 6-DOF high-fidelity dynamics simulation models used for GNC systems analysis and validation
• Exposure to US satellite operations policy and constraints for relevant mission threads in all orbits