Sr. Manager R&D – Computer Vision, Robotics & AI

The Research and Development group within FORTNA focuses on novel approaches to automation within the material handling sector. Product Development is seeking an experienced Software Engineering Manager to direct the Computer Vision, Robotics & AI group.

The successful candidate will be the hands-on leader of a close-knit team of software developers and Machine Learning Engineers developing innovative products based on the latest deep learning algorithms. The development team is highly skilled and is tackling some of the hardest computer vision problems in the Material Handling Industry. Candidates should be self-motivated and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Successfully leading and developing a highly skilled team in all aspects of the development of commercial grade software & solutions for material handling systems. Products are developed in either C/C++ or CUDA on Linux platforms.
• Hands-on with fast prototyping efforts for analyzing viable computer vision solutions for a particular task.
• Performing hands-on development of product components in either C/C++ or CUDA.
• Developing state of the art machine learning models for challenging computer vision tasks.
• Developing and implementing GenAI based solutions for FORTNA.
• As the products being developed are driving the future of computer vision, the successful candidate must be comfortable taking abstract, complex concepts and shepherding them through to product realization.
• Actively working with our Mechanical, Controls and Robotics teams for tightly integrated products.
• Supporting and advising Business Development and Product Management on Vision and Robotics products and solutions.
• Working with LPS (Lifecycle Performance Services) and sometimes directly with customers to resolve post-deployment issues and/or evolve product roadmaps.
• Successfully build research partnerships in the field of computer vision with elite research institutions.
• Leading efforts to improve the data pipeline for all machine learning tasks.

Required Qualifications:

• M.S. or PhD. in Comp. Sci., Comp. E., Elec. E., or related fields.
• Hands-on experience writing C/C++ or CUDA code in a Linux environment.
• Experience working with or leading engineering teams in the following disciplines: electrical, mechanical, controls, manufacturing, after-sales, procurement.
• Experience with computer vision software.
• Experience with Machine Learning Advancements and Latest Deep Learning Techniques for computer vision Applications.
• Experience with sensor fusion algorithms for computer vision applications.
• Five years of experience implementing parallel, synchronous, and asynchronous, low latency algorithms.
• Knowledgeable in GPU hardware and associated limitations.
• Knowledgeable in NVIDIA’s line of SoCs, such as the Jetson platform.
• Strong understanding of OpenCV and/or PCL.
• Strong understanding of evolving GenAI models.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• 5+ years leading software engineering teams developing commercial grade, industrial software systems.
• Practical experience in developing software solutions using a balance of:
  • Analytic based Heuristics
  • Develop, train, and integrate DNNs
  • Off-line numeric solvers
  • Online analytic solvers
• Practical experience with the latest transformers-based detection and segmentation networks.
• Knowledgeable in building self-supervised models for various computer vision tasks.
• Experience with industrial communications protocols such as: Ethernet/IP, TCP/IP, Modbus.
• Strong communications and time management skills.

The base salary range for this role is $133,200 to $199,800.  This base salary range represents the low and high end of the base salary range for this position. Actual base salary offered will vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and performance.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.

It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.