Computer Vision Engineer

Washington, DC

About Our Client

Our client is an innovative technology organization focused on delivering next-generation capabilities for national security, defense, and complex mission environments. By combining advanced software, artificial intelligence, autonomy, and cutting-edge hardware platforms, they are redefining how critical systems are developed, deployed, and operated.

Their solutions integrate large-scale sensor networks, intelligent data fusion, computer vision, and autonomous decision-making technologies to provide operators with actionable insights in real time. Operating at the intersection of aerospace, defense, and advanced engineering, the organization is tackling some of the most challenging technical problems in modern security and space operations.

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Computer Vision Engineer to join a rapidly expanding team in Washington, DC. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to advanced perception and autonomy systems supporting spacecraft and space-based missions.

The successful candidate will play a key role in designing, developing, testing, and deploying computer vision solutions across a broad range of space applications. Responsibilities span algorithm development, simulation and modeling, navigation systems, perception software, mission analysis, and integration activities. The role involves close collaboration with specialists in sensors, guidance and control, avionics, mission software, systems engineering, and flight operations.

This position supports active, funded programs focused on delivering software-defined spacecraft and advanced space capabilities for mission-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and prototype innovative computer vision and autonomy solutions that address real-world mission challenges.
• Design, develop, and maintain production-grade vision software and supporting libraries.
• Combine classical computer vision techniques with modern machine learning approaches.
• Develop perception capabilities for spacecraft software and hardware systems operating across multiple orbital regimes.
• Contribute to autonomous spacecraft navigation and maneuvering solutions that support mission objectives.
• Create and execute verification and validation strategies for vision-based systems throughout development and operational lifecycles.
• Partner with multidisciplinary engineering teams to architect, build, and test complex systems.
• Translate user and mission requirements into practical software capabilities.
• Support spacecraft testing, launch campaigns, commissioning activities, and on-orbit operations as needed.
• Design flight algorithms, software architectures, simulation environments, and supporting tools.
• Develop autonomy frameworks enabling dynamic mission execution and decision-making.
• Support test campaign planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Implement fault detection, monitoring, and recovery mechanisms.
• Develop hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation environments for performance evaluation and validation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning, Robotics, or a related technical discipline.
• Master's degree or PhD with a focus on Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Robotics, Image Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing, evaluating, and optimizing machine learning and perception algorithms using large-scale datasets.
• Strong software engineering skills with extensive C++ development experience in Linux environments.
• Experience in one or more of the following:
• Object Detection
• Object Tracking
• Instance Segmentation
• Semantic Segmentation
• Change Detection
• Feature Tracking
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Visual Odometry
• SLAM
• Multi-View Geometry
• Structure from Motion
• 3D Vision
• Stereo Vision
• Neural Reconstruction Techniques
• Sensor Fusion
• RGB-D Systems
• LiDAR Integration
• Ability to navigate complex technical systems and mission requirements.
• Knowledge of orbital mechanics, rendezvous and proximity operations, spacecraft guidance and control, missile guidance systems, or related aerospace disciplines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Active U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance with the ability to maintain eligibility.