Research Engineer

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.

We are considering candidates through September, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Research Engineer – EO/IR Image Processing

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