Research Engineer – EO/IR Image Processing

Awetomaton is seeking a Research Engineer to support the TAP Lab at the Boulder Ground Information Facility (BGIF) in Boulder, Colorado. You will work with a small team to adapt, train, evaluate, and transition a prototype application that detects and separates closely spaced objects in EO/IR imagery. In this role, you will acquire and prepare representative sensor data, evaluate algorithm performance, and adapt the prototype to perform effectively on real-world imagery. You will apply expertise in imagery science, image processing, and machine learning while developing software in Python using NumPy, scikit-image, PyTorch, and modern software engineering practices. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a related field, with three to seven years of relevant experience. This position must be performed on-site at the BGIF in Boulder, Colorado. An active SECRET security clearance is required. The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000–$155,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, skills, and other job-related considerations. We are currently considering candidates with a planned start date in October 2026. Criteria for success - Communicate technical results effectively in written and verbal form to engineers, users, and decision-makers. - Demonstrate initiative when working with limited guidance or ambiguous requirements. - Translate operational needs into measurable algorithm requirements and experiments. - Apply sound scientific methods to algorithm development, evaluation, and validation. - Produce clear, reproducible, and maintainable research software. - Collaborate effectively within a small, multidisciplinary team. Required Experience and Skills - Bachelor of Science in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related engineering discipline. - At least three years of experience in image processing, computer vision, machine learning, imagery science, or a related engineering field. - At least one year of professional Python development experience. - Experience developing or evaluating algorithms for EO/IR imagery or comparable sensor data. - Experience using NumPy and at least one image-processing or machine-learning framework. - Experience preparing datasets and quantitatively evaluating algorithm performance. - Proficiency with software configuration management using Git. - Active SECRET security clearance. - Ability to work on-site at the BGIF in Boulder, Colorado. Desired Education and Experience - Bachelor or Master of Science in computer science, electrical engineering, software engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related discipline. - Experience with OPIR or GEOINT imagery and data exploitation. - Experience developing image-processing algorithms with scikit-image. - Experience training, adapting, or evaluating models with PyTorch. - Experience with point-source detection, object separation, image segmentation, or related techniques. - Experience with sensor calibration, image correction, noise characterization, or image-quality assessment. - Experience developing modular, reusable software using object-oriented design practices. - Familiarity with Protocol Buffers, container technologies, Kubernetes, and operational software deployment. - Experience with Docker, Podman, or similar container technologies. About Awetomaton We build software that enables humans to make informed decisions from raw intel data, with a specialization in satellite collection. We are a Dayton-based defense startup that believes there is a critical skill & culture gap - one we are filling with high-output, mission focused engineering talent. Results matter to our customers. We've never lost a customer because we deliver what they need. Awetomaton is where you do work that matters with a passionate team in an environment that inspires your creativity. Benefits We provide industry leading benefits that balance your health & wellbeing today, as well as lay a solid financial future into retirement. Highlights of our benefit plan include: - Flexible time off totaling 36 days / year. No approvals required. - 100% 401k company match up to IRS annual limits. This is a benefit of up to $24,500 for 2026. - Health plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield with Health Savings Account (HSA). We pay 95% of employee premiums including family plans. - Employee favorite: Tech and Wellness reimbursement of $3000 / year. Treat yourself with the newest gadgets or athletic gear. No approvals required. - Annual profit sharing as 401k contribution. No set percent and dependent on annual company performance. Benefit is above and beyond 401k match. - MacBook laptop and well-equipped office spaces for optimal productivity in office and on-the-go.