Image Processing Co-op - Spring 2027

Role Summary 

Specter Aerospace is seeking an Image Processing Co-op (4-6+ month cycle) to contribute to an infrared and optical imaging demonstrator project. This role offers hands-on experience with image processing, sensor data analysis, algorithm development, software testing, and technical documentation.

The successful candidate will work closely with engineers and scientists to process infrared and visible-spectrum imagery, develop analysis tools, and evaluate imaging system performance. The candidate will contribute to systems supporting Specter’s experimental and flight vehicle programs.

About Specter Aerospace 

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Our Image Processing Co-Op will be based in our Boston (Seaport) office. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Specter offers a wide diversity of tasks, projects, and technical exposure, all while providing co-ops with the same resources and project ownership as our full-time staff members. Our co-ops work closely with experienced engineers and scientists to complete projects that are critical to the mission of the company.

Role Responsibilities 

• Develop Python code to process, analyze, and visualize infrared, visible-spectrum, and associated sensor data.

• Develop image-processing and computer-vision algorithms for image enhancement, feature extraction, segmentation, detection, and tracking.

• Process and organize large image and sensor datasets.

• Support the calibration, testing, and evaluation of infrared and optical imaging systems.

• Work with engineers and scientists to define analysis requirements and interpret experimental results.

• Develop testing protocols to conduct software shakedowns, debug analysis tools, and validate results.

• Participate in technical meetings and take ownership of assigned projects from implementation through testing and documentation.

Required Qualifications 

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, physics, or an equivalent field.

• Familiarity with fundamental software development principles.

• Experience programming in Python, MATLAB, C++, or a comparable language.

• Familiarity with image processing, computer vision, numerical analysis, or data analysis.

• Experience using software tools such as OpenCV, scikit-image, MATLAB, or similar.

• Familiarity with data visualization and technical documentation.

• Comfort working independently in a fast-paced environment with changing requirements.

• Strong collaborative skills and a drive to produce high-quality work.

• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Previous applicable professional, research, or student-team experience.

• Experience processing infrared, thermal, visible-spectrum, scientific, or engineering imagery.

• Experience with camera calibration, image registration, feature tracking, object detection, or image segmentation.

• Experience storing, processing, visualizing, or otherwise handling large datasets.

• Familiarity with machine-learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar tools.

• Experience developing automated analysis tools, testing procedures, or data pipelines.

• Familiarity with Linux, Git, Jupyter, or similar development tools.

• Comfort writing technical documentation regarding internal code development, analysis methods, and user procedures.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.