Senior Space Surveillance Engineer, Sensor Development & Image Processing

Slingshot Aerospace is on a mission to enhance the safety and security of space operations. The Senior Space Surveillance Engineer will lead efforts in developing sensor systems for detecting and tracking satellites and space debris, with a focus on real-time image processing and GPU-accelerated systems.

Responsibilities:

• Execute all responsibilities in alignment with Slingshot’s mission, purpose, and values
• Lead and contribute to the design, development, and integration of space surveillance sensor systems across the Global Sensor Network
• Perform system-level design, simulation, and integration of hardware and software components for advanced space surveillance systems
• Design and implement real-time image processing pipelines in GPU-accelerated environments
• Develop algorithms and software for sensor data tasking, collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination
• Apply signal processing and image calibration techniques to improve detection and tracking performance
• Develop and optimize C++ and Python (including PyTorch) applications for high-performance computing environments
• Support transitions of Slingshot’s products and services to the Slingshot Global Sensor Network (SGSN), space operations centers, and other testbeds
• Engage with customers and stakeholders to support mission-critical outcomes
• Contribute to product strategy and technical direction through subject matter expertise
• Prepare technical reports and briefing materials
• Present technical work to internal and external stakeholders
• Serve as a technical expert in space surveillance, sensor development, and real-time processing systems
• Lead execution of individual and small team technical efforts and contribute to larger cross-team initiatives
• Mentor team members and share subject matter expertise
• Lead technical contributions to proposals and new business efforts
• Champion internal research and development initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned (less than 10% of responsibilities listed above)

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of relevant experience, including experience with real-time image processing and/or sensor system development
• Strong programming experience in C++ and Python
• Experience developing and deploying applications in GPU-accelerated environments, including use of CUDA
• Experience with PyTorch or similar frameworks for high-performance or machine learning applications
• Background in signal processing, algorithm design, and linear algebra
• Experience with image calibration and working with space-based or sensor coordinate systems
• Experience contributing to the design, development, or integration of sensor systems
• Ability to design, implement, and optimize real-time processing pipelines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to varied audiences
• Ability to travel up to 5% domestically and internationally as needed
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
• Graduate degree in a relevant technical field or equivalent experience
• Advanced experience optimizing GPU-based systems for real-time performance
• Experience with embedded or edge computing systems for sensor platforms
• Experience with astrodynamics, estimation theory, or space domain awareness applications
• Experience integrating software with optical or mechanical sensing systems
• Familiarity with distributed sensor networks and autonomous observatory operations
• Experience working in early-stage or high-growth environments
• Experience contributing to research, publications, or advanced technical proposals