Lead Research Engineer, Machine Learning
Foundry, United Kingdom
Job Description
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 (either using traditional computer vision algorithms or machine learning), a strong track record of algorithm development and research, as well as in-depth commercial experience developing in C++.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES.
Team Management:
- Co-ordinate the day-to-day management and long-term development of the team
- Determine and manage resource requirements for the product, ensuring the product is sufficiently resourced
Product Management:
- Maintain technical ownership of the product, working with the product owner to define features for regular product release cycles
- 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 the product
- 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 other product managers to schedule product releases
- Work with the QA manager 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
- Coordinate the scheduling of development work in the team and the integration with the development effort for the product as a whole
- Ensure the team delivers regular product releases of a high standard
Requirements
THE ESSENTIALS.
- Post-Graduate Degree in Engineering / Computer Science (e.g. MSc, PhD preferred, or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years commercial C++ experience
- Experience of acting as leader of a SCRUM team of gt; 4 people, including line management, leading both developers and QAs.
- Experience in hiring decisions through assessing technical skills and team fit
- Excellent practical and theoretical knowledge of image processing either using traditional computer vision algorithms and techniques or 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 with Python
- Experience of cross OS development across Linux, Windows and Mac.
- Experience of leading using AGILE methodologies (Scrum, Kanban etc)
THE COMPANY.
Foundry develops creative software for the digital design, media and entertainment industries. With a 20-year heritage and a portfolio of award-winning products, Foundry advances the art and technology of visual experience in partnership with creative leaders around the globe.
Clients and partners include major feature film studios and post-production houses such as Pixar, ILM, MPC, Walt Disney Animation, Weta Digital, DNEG, and Framestore as well as automotive, footwear, apparel and technology companies such as Mercedes, New B