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 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.

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.