Role: Research Engineer (Image Processing)
Employment Type: Full Time
Role Description:
We are seeking a Research Engineer with strong Python and scientific-computing skills to help develop, validate, and productionize advanced image processing algorithms for hyperspectral data.
In this role, you will work at the intersection of research and engineeringtranslating complex image processing concepts (such as radiometric calibration, noise reduction, and spectral unmixing) into clean, efficient, and maintainable Python code. You will also design and execute experiments, build Proofs of Concept (PoCs), and support integration of validated methods into high-throughput production pipelines.
This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys both deep technical problem-solving and practical deployment, and who values scientific rigor and data integrity.
What We Value in This Role
- Curiosity and the ability to independently prototype ideas
- Strong engineering discipline with research flexibility
- Clear communication and documentation
- Respect for the underlying science and measurement integrity
- Ownership mindset from concept to validated implementation
Desired Skillset
- Strong Python programming skills for scientific computing, automation, and modular code development
- Ability to convert complex image processing concepts (radiometric calibration, denoising, spectral unmixing, etc.) into clean, efficient, maintainable code
- Hands-on experience with the Python scientific stack: NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Rasterio
- Strong experimental mindset: can design, run, and document PoCs/experiments with clear conclusions
- Ability to read research papers / technical notes and translate them into working implementations
- Experience integrating new algorithms/modules into existing image processing pipelines
- Understanding of production optimization and writing code suitable for high-throughput workflows
- Familiarity with AWS services (S3, EC2, Lambda, SageMaker) for data processing and automation workflows
- Understanding of CI/CD basics, testing, and validation practices for algorithm accuracy
- Strong documentation habits for reproducibility, edge cases, and team knowledge transfer
- Comfortable balancing research exploration and urgent engineering/pipeline fixes
- Respect for scientific integrity of hyperspectral/image data
- Familiarity with AI/ML model development (preferred)
- Communication skills (explaining results clearly to scientists + engineers)
Candidate Acumen:
A strong desire to work in an unstructured, high-growth, fast-paced start-up environment
Benefits:
Health insurance coverage
Unlimited leaves & flexible working hours
Role-based remote work and work-from-home benefit
Relocation assistance
Professional Mental Wellness services
Creche facility for primary caregivers (limited to India)
Employee Stock Options for all hires
About Pixxel
Pixxel is a space data company and spacecraft manufacturer redefining Earth observation with hyperspectral imaging. The company's first three commercial hyperspectral satellitesFirefliesdeliver imagery at 5-meter resolution and 135+ spectral bands, providing 50x richer detail than traditional Earth observation systems and unlocking insights across agriculture, climate, energy, environment, and more.
Once fully deployed, Pixxel's constellation of 18-24 satellites will capture imagery across up to 250 bands in VNIR and SWIR ranges, with a 40 km swath and daily global revisit capability. Pixxel's most unique strength is its full-stack approach, integrating every layer of the value chain from satellite hardware and manufacturing to AI-powered analytics.
Pixxel's satellite constellation is complemented by Aurora, its in-house Earth Observation Studio that simplifies satellite imagery analysis and democratises remote sensing for all. Designed to make hyperspectral data more accessible, Aurora by Pixxel combines high-frequency imagery with AI-powered tools to generate actionable insights, even for users without technical backgrounds. The third pillar of Pixxel's ecosystem is its in-house satellite manufacturing capability. Beyond building its own spacecraft, Pixxel also provides satellite systems and subsystems to other organisations. This dual capacity sets it apart in a sector where most companies focus on either payload design or data operations, but not both.
Pixxel's team is young but deeply mission-aligned, with a culture rooted in curiosity, speed, and long-term thinking. As the company grows its constellation and expands Aurora, the focus remains on making space-based insights practical, scalable, and genuinely helpful so that the health of the planet becomes measurable and action becomes possible.
Pixxel was the only Indian startup selected for the Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator in Los Angeles and has been recognised in TIME's Best Inventions of 2023, Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and Via Satellite's Top Innovators list.
For more information, see ourCareers page or follow Pixxel onLinkedIn andX/Twitter.
Culture
Pixxel is an organization where we enable our employees to work on world-changing problems that they are passionate about, and a place where they can be their best selves day in and day out while ensuring they have fun every day.
Central to our employee-first ethos is a commitment to ensuring that every team member feels valued and heard. We nurture a healthy and supportive work environment where we prioritise well-being and growth in all aspects of life
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