Research and Development Engineer 4

Job Summary

This exciting position is for an advanced Research and Development (R&D) Engineer familiar with machine learning, computer vision and automated driving. The position is responsible for a range of engineering activities in research and advanced development including the development of new technologies, methods, and pipeline aligned with overall business direction. Proposes future strategy and research direction for DENSO R&D by investigating academic and business fields.  Creates project plans and proposals for management approval.  Manages project’s progress to meet milestones.  Acts as a technical leader with expertise in a specific field and mentor to less experienced engineers.

Responsibilities

• Plans research projects as the technical lead.  Coordinates and manages scientific research, development, and testing of new concepts, technologies, applications, products and processes.  Negotiates specifications, deliverable schedules and changes requirements with customer or project owner.  Creates and follows project schedules, develops design concepts and complex requirements and specifications.  Oversees specification preparation and initial approval.  Acts as Program Leader role and performs all related activities.  Key contact between customer and design team at DENSO headquarters.
• Serves as technical expert and team lead for areas related to machine learning particularly end-to-end learning algorithms and pipeline.
• Researches and develops state-of-the art machine learning models and pipeline to enhance automated driving solutions.
• Designs prototype and evaluates machine learning algorithms for automated driving solutions.
• Works closely with hardware teams to integrate entire systems into a test vehicle.
• Develops verification and validation test plans.  Develops and defines test strategies and plans. Conducts peer review meetings.  Interacts with other team leaders to discuss testing strategies. 
• Prepares and presents technical reports to all levels of management.
• Proposes future strategy and research direction for DENSO R&D by investigating academic and business fields.  Builds relationships with leading experts in automated driving technology.
• Conducts market research and benchmarking for Technical Reviews. Performs patent searches, creates and submits new patent requests, researches and reviews existing patents.  Stays abreast of worldwide technical trends.  Initiates and recommends improvements to process and/or tools where necessary.
• Analyzes current processes, systems and equipment and recommends and implements improvements.
• Acts as a mentor to less experienced engineers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, or related field is required.
• 8+ years of relevant experience required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of general engineering principles and methodologies.
• Extensive experience in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Robotics, or other relevant areas.
• Excellent software engineering skills in Python and/or C++.
• Familiarity with CUDA, OpenCL, ROS and ROS2.
• Familiarity with LiDAR, Camera, Radar and other component for automated driving.
• Basic understanding of CAN, Ethernet or other network using vehicles. 
• Comfortable with Linux and other Unix environments.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technology.
• Written and verbal communication skills and oral presentation skills to interpret information based on a general knowledge of the organization, technology, and/or procedures and provide an independent explanation and discussion based on the technical or complex nature of the materials being discussed. Adept at negotiating and resolving fundamental issues. Garners support of others for issues and projects.
• Analytical skills with ability to independently evaluate and develop innovative solutions to complex situations.
• Demonstrated excellent judgment and decision-making skills.
• Project management skills including identifying and scheduling process steps, determining resources and staff required to successfully complete assigned projects or project steps.
• Relevant industry experience (prior experience in automated driving or robotics projects).

Preferred Qualifications 

• Strong track record in any field related to machine learning, robotics, computer vision evidenced by publications and conferences (e.g. CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, IJCV, ICML, NeurIPS, JMLR, PAMI, RSS, IJRR, ICRA, IROS).
• Experience with cloud machine learning training pipelines.

Salary $116,000-$145,000.

Benefits Summary

• Health, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans 
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401K with 4% company match
• Bonus Program
• Wellness Program
• Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location) 
• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Career Development and Ongoing Training
• Paid holidays and vacation 
• Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location) 
• Volunteer opportunities 
• Employee recognition (employee and milestone events)