Systems Engineer IV

Systems Engineer IV in Pasadena, CA $63.80–$102.15/hr DOE, 1st shift, temporary contract. Develop computer vision and machine learning algorithms for autonomous spacecraft landing.

THE BASICS

Pay: $63.80–$102.15/hr, depending on experience
Shift: 1st shift, 9/80 schedule, 6:00 AM start; exact workdays and end times confirmed before submission
Location: Pasadena, CA 91109 (on-site)
Type: Temp full-time contract
Start: Interviewing now immediate start available
Expected assignment end: 6/9/2027

ABOUT THE ROLE

Build perception algorithms that help a spacecraft understand where and how to land.

Develop and implement computer vision and machine learning for spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control. Create image-based hazard detection, map-relative localization, and high-fidelity simulations to validate performance.

This is an on-site contract assignment with detailed technical documentation and review requirements. This temporary assignment is currently scheduled through 6/9/2027. The 9/80 schedule includes extended workdays; exact daily hours and the alternating day off will be confirmed before submission.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Develop computer vision algorithms for planetary landing
• Apply machine learning to spacecraft guidance and navigation problems
• Implement image-based hazard detection
• Develop map-relative localization methods
• Integrate CV and ML solutions with broader GNC objectives
• Build high-fidelity simulations and validate vision algorithm performance

WHAT YOU NEED

• Bachelor degree in a technical discipline with 6 years of relevant experience, master degree with 4 years, or Ph.D. with 2 years
• U.S. person or permanent resident status as required by the client
• Strong computer vision and machine learning background applied to space systems
• Extensive software engineering and practical ML/CV implementation experience, including real-time applications
• Demonstrated development, test, and validation of autonomous vision algorithms in complex environments

NICE TO HAVE

• Terrain-relative navigation
• Vision sensors in closed-loop GNC architectures
• Technical leadership and mission-deliverable management
• Sensor calibration and error budgeting for IMUs, SRUs, lidar, or vision systems

WHY CONTRACTORS CHOOSE FLAG

• Weekly pay, every Friday direct deposit or pay card
• Medical benefits available to eligible contractors
• Paid sick leave in accordance with California law
• Referral bonuses get paid when you bring in good people
• A recruiter who actually answers you get a direct line, not a call center

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Use a computer to review detailed models, drawings, calculations, and technical records, and participate in on-site engineering and design reviews. Any hardware-handling or facility-access demands will be reviewed before submission.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

On-site engineering offices and laboratories, with technical reviews and coordination around developmental or flight hardware. Follow laboratory and facility access procedures. PPE is required and provided where applicable, and all site safety procedures apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Hit Apply and a FLAG recruiter will review your background within one business day. If you're a fit, we'll call you to talk through the work, the shift, and the pay before anything gets submitted to the client no surprises.

Questions first? Call or email .

ABOUT FLAG SOLUTIONS

FLAG Solutions is a Southern California staffing firm with offices in Fullerton and Long Beach, specializing in skilled manufacturing and professional placement across aerospace and defense, food and beverage, automotive, pharmaceutical, and electronics.

FLAG Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The pay scale stated above is the range FLAG Solutions in good faith expects to pay for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation depends on experience, skills, and other job-related factors.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and all applicable local fair chance ordinances.

FLAG Solutions is the employer of record for this position.