Research Engineer

Awetomaton is seeking a Research Engineer to support existing customers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. In this role you will work with a team of 3-5 enhancing and optimizing R&D algorithms to derive insights from raw sensor data. You will be applying expertise in imagery science to write software in Python using modern libraries and Software Engineering methodologies. The ideal candidate will possess a BS degree or higher in engineering or related field with 3-7 years of experience. This position will largely be performed from WPAFB. We are considering candidates through early August with a planned September 2026 start date.

Active Top Secret security clearance required.

Criteria for success

• Communicate effectively in both written and verbal form with peers & decision makers
• Demonstrate initiative when faced with limited guidance or ambiguous requirements
• Expertise developing image processing algorithm in Python
• Experienced in OPIR image processing and data exploitation
• Familiarity with algorithm deployment concepts including containerization and databases

Required Experience and Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Physics, Math or Engineering discipline
• Three (3) years of minimum experience in an image processing focused engineering career (Electrical Engineering, Computer Visions, etc.)
• One (1) year of minimum Python experience
• One (1) year of minimum experience working with OPIR data
• Mastery of software configuration management using Git

Desired Education and Experience

• Master of Science in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Engineering discipline
• Expertise developing modular, reusable software via strong Object-Oriented Software development practices
• Experience with Container Technology (Docker / podman / etc.)
• Experience following GitFlow and GitOps workflows using team repository (GitHub / Gitlab / etc.)

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.