Lead Image Processing Engineer | Gaze Project

Feb. 28, 2025

Join a Startup That’s Revolutionizing Space Traffic Management!

Gaze, an initiative within GaiaVerse, is pioneering the first real-time orbital space traffic application. We are a startup with a big vision—leveraging community-driven telescope networks and AI-powered decision intelligence to bring unprecedented accuracy and transparency to space object tracking.

We are looking for a Lead Image Processing Engineer to develop and implement our image processing pipeline, transforming raw and possibly uncalibrated images into CCSDS-formatted Tracking Data Messages (TDMs) that will integrate with GaiaVerse’s automated agentic AI decision intelligence platform.

Why This Role is Unique:

This is an opportunity to get in at the ground level of a cutting-edge space startup. While this position starts as a voluntary role, it is designed for someone who wants to grow with us into a full-time, salaried leadership position as Gaze scales. If you are passionate about space situational awareness, image processing, and AI, and you thrive in fast-moving, high-impact environments, this is your chance to be part of something groundbreaking.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Develop and implement an image processing pipeline that extracts precise astrometric data (RA/Dec + timestamps) from raw telescope images

  • Perform image calibration, including dark frame subtraction, flat field correction, and distortion removal.

  • Detect and track space objects using centroiding, point spread function (PSF) fitting, and background subtraction techniques.

  • Generate CCSDS-formatted Tracking Data Messages (TDMs) from processed image data to interface with GaiaVerse’s AI-driven decision-making system.

  • Optimize computational performance, potentially leveraging GPU acceleration or distributed processing.

  • Ensure quality control, uncertainty quantification, and error detection to produce reliable tracking data.

  • Work alongside astronomers, AI/ML specialists, and software engineers to refine and improve the system.

  • Help build the foundation for Gaze’s long-term success, positioning yourself as a key player in our future full-time team.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Strong background in image processing, computer vision, or computational astronomy.

  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB.

  • Familiarity with astronomical image processing tools (Astropy, OpenCV, Scipy, SEP, Source Extractor).

  • Experience with astrometry and photometry techniques for tracking celestial objects.

  • Understanding of CCSDS data formats (TDM, OEM) and space situational awareness concepts.

  • Experience with telescope operations and astronomical imaging sensors (CCD/CMOS).

  • Bonus: Experience applying machine learning to image processing problems.

  • Ability to thrive in a startup environment, iterating rapidly and adapting to evolving challenges.

Why Join Gaze?

  • A rare opportunity to be part of a first-of-its-kind space startup.

  • Work at the intersection of AI, astronomy, and space situational awareness.

  • Grow into a full-time leadership role as Gaze scales into a fully funded operation.

  • Help solve one of the most pressing challenges in space sustainability.

This is a mission-driven role for someone who wants to be part of the future of real-time space tracking. If you are ready to take on a pioneering challenge and grow with a high-impact space startup, we’d love to hear from you!

To apply: CVs need to be sent to coreteam@gaiaverse.ai