Head of Computer Vision Engineering

Alpine Eagle · Karlsruhe, Germany

Apply on Alpine EaglePosted last yearConfirmed still open

At Alpine Eagle, we are a team of specialists with backgrounds in defence, aerospace engineering and machine learning, building the first airborne, swarm-based system to provide protection against the rising drone threat. We believe that recent conflicts have shown the malicious and disruptive potential of drones in both civilian and defense scenarios. In addition, we are convinced that the next step in counter-drone is air-to-air. We want to ensure that all governments and institutions that believe in personal freedom and the rule of law have cutting edge solutions to protect against this rising threat.

We offer a work environment that is inclusive and open, with a flat hierarchy, and a purpose-driven team. We want to reinforce a culture where great ideas can flourish, and great people collaborate.

As the Head of Computer Vision Engineering, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Alpine Eagle’s drone technology. You will lead and inspire our computer vision and perception team, shaping the future of our UAV solutions. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will develop and optimize computer vision algorithms, drive perception architecture, and collaborate across teams to deliver next-generation drone capabilities. 

🎯 How you will make an impact:

  • Lead the computer vision strategy and roadmap  Define milestones aligned with company goals, establish systematic development processes, and ensure timely delivery of innovative computer vision capabilities. 

  • Design, implement, and optimize computer vision algorithms for visual navigation  Develop real-time object detection and classification, multi-object tracking across frames and scenes, and visual SLAM for outdoor navigation. 

  • Integrate vision systems with robotic platforms and edge devices  Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deploy robust solutions in production environments. 

  • Design and optimize algorithms and architectures  Develop advanced computer vision algorithms for drone applications such as object detection, tracking, segmentation, and scene understanding.  Evaluate and benchmark models using real-world datasets and simulations. 

  • Build and develop a high-performing team  Lead by example, mentor engineers, and foster a culture of growth, collaboration, and technical excellence. 

  • Stay at the forefront of technology  Continuously research and implement state-of-the-art computer vision techniques, with a focus on aerial and C-UAS applications. 

  • Champion code quality and documentation  Promote best practices through code reviews, maintain high code quality, and ensure clear, consistent documentation.

What you need to be successful:

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related field; PhD is a plus 

  • Strong experience with deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and architectures such as CNNs, object detectors, and tracking algorithms 

  • Proficiency in object detection models (YOLO, Faster R-CNN, SSD, etc.) 

  • Solid understanding of visual SLAM, structure-from-motion, and navigation techniques 

  • Programming skills in Python and C++ (ROS experience is a plus) 

  • Familiarity with OpenCV, CUDA, and real-time video processing 

  • Proven ability to lead and build high-performing teams in fast-paced, innovative environments 

  • Hands-on approach with strong ownership and accountability 

  • Systematic problem-solving skills and excellent documentation habits 

  • Collaborative mindset with a team-first attitude

 

At Alpine Eagle, we are committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, or sexual identity.

Apply on Alpine Eagle

Listing sourced from the employer's careers page. Applications are handled by Alpine Eagle.

Similar defence and national security jobs

Ranked by how much they share with this one, not by how recent they are.

Alpine Eagle · Karlsruhe · Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, München, Bavaria · München

At Alpine Eagle, we’re building the future of counter drone defence. We’re a fast growing, international deep tech company working at the intersection of aerospace engineering, defence systems, and machine learning.

Engineering6 months ago

Alpine Eagle · Karlsruhe · Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, München, Bavaria · München

At Alpine Eagle, we’re building the future of counter drone defence. We’re a fast growing, international deep tech company working at the intersection of aerospace engineering, defence systems, and machine learning.

Engineering6 months ago

STARK · Munich

As Head of Flight Test, you own STARK’s flight test organisation end to end: the pilots and operators who fly the aircraft, the flight test engineers who design the tests and run the instrumentation, the operations managers who deliver production, experimental, and customer…

DirectorEngineeringlast month

Airbus Defence and Space · Manching

With its ground breaking industrial and commercial setup and its unique certification and flexibility, the European Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) showcases how European industry can find innovative ways to support strategic…

LeadEngineering8 days ago

Helsing · Berlin · London · Munich · Paris

As democracies, we believe we have a special responsibility to be thoughtful about the development and deployment of powerful technologies like AI. We take this responsibility seriously.

Engineering13 days ago

Destinus · Zürich, Zurich

Imagine building intelligent systems that don’t just work in perfect lab conditions, but perform reliably in the real world, where uncertainty is the norm and failure is not an option.

Engineering14 days ago

Get these by email

One email when there is something new on Defence Careers. No account, no CV, no recruiters.

We only use it for this alert, and every email unsubscribes in one click.