IPG Defense, a stand-alone business of IPG Photonics, was incorporated in 2026 to provide direct support for defense products. Headquartered in Huntsville, AL, IPG Defense is bringing commercial scale to laser defense systems, leveraging IPG Photonics' 36 years of experience in fiber laser technology. Our mission: develop and deliver the most advanced, next-generation laser defense solutions for military and civilian use — systems that accurately and reliably detect, track, target, and neutralize threats.
IPG Photonics is the world's leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers and amplifiers for diverse applications in numerous markets. Founded in 1990, IPG pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based lasers — a critical technology in our high-energy laser (HEL) systems, including the CROSSBOW program.
Your skills and experience will play a key role in shaping our growing organization, building our capabilities, and delivering on our mission. Join us and build a career that will shape the future of laser defense.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Software Engineer – Computer Vision develops real-time image-processing and tracking algorithms supporting beam control, target acquisition, and stabilization in defense laser platforms. Working at the intersection of optics, sensors, and software, this role enables IPG’s directed-energy systems to perform with precision under dynamic field conditions. This opening targets a mid-level engineer; junior and senior candidates may also be considered, with level determined by experience and qualifications.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and implement computer-vision algorithms for object detection, optical flow, and target tracking.
- Develop tracking and state-estimation pipelines (e.g., Kalman filtering, track initiation and maintenance) for maneuvering targets in cluttered scenes.
- Integrate vision pipelines with gimbals, sensors, and beam-steering hardware.
- Optimize GPU-accelerated code on embedded platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson, including CUDA and TensorRT deployment.
- Process EO/IR imagery to support laser targeting and feedback control, including camera calibration and sensor characterization.
- Build data, simulation, and playback tooling to evaluate algorithm performance against recorded and synthetic scenarios.
- Support modeling, field testing, and algorithm performance validation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 3–7 years of experience in real-time computer vision or image processing (junior and senior candidates considered at the appropriate level).
- Proficiency in C++ and Python, with OpenCV on Linux.
- Experience with real-time, low-latency video processing pipelines, including color correction and optical-flow techniques.
- Experience with GPU acceleration (CUDA) for latency-sensitive applications.
- Familiarity with optical systems and sensor calibration.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Active DoD security clearance.
- Experience with multi-target tracking, state estimation (EKF/UKF), or data-association methods.
- Experience with deep-learning-based detection and classification (PyTorch or TensorFlow) and edge deployment (TensorRT).
- Experience in beam stabilization or adaptive-optics control.
- Knowledge of high-speed camera integration and EO/IR sensor phenomenology.
- Prior defense or aerospace program participation.
- Master's degree or PhD in a related field.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Lab and test-range environments; laser-safety PPE required.
WHY JOIN IPG DEFENSE
- Work at the forefront of directed-energy and photonics innovation on systems that matter to national security.
- Vertically integrated technology: we design and build our own lasers, giving engineers end-to-end ownership from component to fielded system.
- Small, expert, fast-moving team in Huntsville, AL — one of the nation’s fastest-growing aerospace and defense hubs.
- Career growth through hands-on work across the full product lifecycle: concept, prototype, integration, field test, and production.
- Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package — see Compensation & Benefits below.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
- 3-7 years of experience in real-time computer vision or image processing
- Proficiency in C++, Python, OpenCV, and Linux
- Experience with real-time, low-latency video processing pipelines, including color correction and optical-flow techniques
- Experience with GPU acceleration using CUDA for latency-sensitive applications
- Familiarity with optical systems and sensor calibration
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Active Department of Defense security clearance
- Experience with multi-target tracking, state estimation, or data-association methods
- Experience with deep-learning-based detection and classification using PyTorch or TensorFlow and edge deployment with TensorRT
- Experience in beam stabilization or adaptive-optics control
- Knowledge of high-speed camera integration and EO/IR sensor phenomenology
- Prior defense or aerospace program participation
- Master's degree or PhD in a related field
IPG Photonics Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about IPG Photonics and has not been reviewed or approved by IPG Photonics.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Plan offers a 15% discount with a lookback feature and is available in the U.S. and Germany. This broad-based equity program is consistently highlighted as a standout component of total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO typically starts around three weeks with growth over tenure, alongside roughly 10–12 paid holidays and noted carryover options. Time-off policies are often viewed as a strong part of the package.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Annual bonuses are emphasized as a meaningful part of total compensation. Company materials and role descriptions explicitly include bonuses as part of the offering.
IPG Photonics Insights
What We Do
IPG Photonics is the world leader in fiber laser technology, offering solutions for applications across a wide array of industries. Headquartered in Marlborough, USA, the company has developed a robust, vertically integrated supply chain, developing key technology components in-house, thus enabling the most reliable, powerful, and efficient laser solutions. With over 30 locations across the globe, we are committed to developing innovative products that provide reliable, cost-effective solutions for our customers’ needs.
