Lead Research Engineer, AI

We are a global company with a mission to advance the art and technology of visual experience. We know that creating an inclusive environment that values and encourages different perspectives is critical for our success, and the success of our people. We are learning, listening and taking action to be better and foster trust in our community. Our goal is to ensure every person working at Foundry feels safe and free to be themselves, to share their ideas or concerns and that there is equal access to opportunities for all.

THE ROLE.

This Lead Research Engineer role is an exciting opportunity to lead a scrum team within our A.I Research team. The role involves leading a team that bridges academic research and commercial software development to create cutting edge technology for the visual-effects industry. The team works closely with clients in film visual-effects and takes technology from concept through to market.

We are looking for candidates with management experience, knowledge of image processing (using traditional computer vision algorithms and machine learning), a strong track record of algorithm development and research, as well as in-depth commercial experience developing in C++.

Job requirements

THE ESSENTIALS.

• Post-Graduate Degree in Engineering / Computer Science (e.g. MSc, PhD preferred, or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years C++ or Python experience
• Experience of acting as leader of a team of > 4 people, including line management
• Experience in hiring decisions through assessing technical skills and team fit
• Excellent practical and theoretical knowledge of image processing using traditional computer vision algorithms and machine learning
• Knowledge of machine learning theory and concepts
• Strong maths skills

THE NICE TO HAVE, KEEN TO LEARN.

• Knowledge of a machine learning framework (TensorFlow or PyTorch)
• Knowledge of post-production
• Experience of cross OS development across Linux, Windows and Mac.
• Experience of leading using AGILE methodologies (Scrum, Kanban etc)

Job responsibilities

Team Management:

• Co-ordinate the day-to-day management and long-term development of the team
• Determine and manage resource requirements, ensuring the team is sufficiently resourced

Product Management:

• Develop new or existing IP into useful, high-quality features fitting product requirements
• Work with the product owner in defining future product requirements to inform long-term IP development
• Investigate and develop longer-term or speculative projects related to product
• Maintain technical ownership of feature development, working with the product owner to define features for product release cycles
• Act as the domain expert for the team and the point-of-contact for clients
• Build connections with clients to define requirements and set up test groups
• Feedback product requirements from clients to the team
• Work with QAs to define the testing schedule for alphas, betas and product releases
• Co-ordinate the roll-out of alpha and beta releases to clients and mentor the team in gathering feedback to shape development

Software Development:

• Contribute to the code base for image, video, and geometry processing
• Implement and foster efficient, reliable code development processes and communication within the team
• Act as the go-to expert for the code-base and mentor to the team to ensure the development of high quality, reusable and low maintenance code
• Create prototypes as a proof-of-concept, alphas for feedback from key clients, betas to gather wider feedback and deliver final tools in products

Job benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme & life assurance
• Health cash plan & medical insurance
• Season ticket loan
• Company’s social events
• Gym Discounts
• Personal Annual Development Time
• Passion Days
• Anniversary Day off

THE COMPANY.

Foundry has a heritage of more than 25 years, developing creative software for the Media and Entertainment industry. Its portfolio of award-winning products solves complex visualization challenges to turn incredible ideas into reality.

Working with creative leaders around the globe, Foundry products are used to create breathtaking visual effects and animation and have been integral in the making of every VFX Academy Award-winning film for the past decade.

For more information visit www.foundry.com

For our privacy policy, visit https://www.foundry.com/candidate-privacy-notice

We know that creating an inclusive environment that values and encourages different perspectives is critical for our success, and the success of our people. We are learning, listening and taking action to be better and foster trust in our community. Our goal is to ensure every person working at Foundry feels safe and free to be themselves, to share their ideas or concerns and that there is equal access to opportunities for all.