Research Associate/Staff in 3D Computer Vision

Requisition Id 4310 

Research Group Overview:

The Geoinformatics Engineering Group, within the Human Dynamics Section of the  Geospatial Science and Human Security Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), specializes in research and development of science and technology to address challenges with large-scale distributed geospatial information, including its collection and storage, real-time and high-performance processing, visualization, dissemination, and the infrastructure necessary for optimal use across multiple network domains.

Who are we looking for?

The group is seeking a senior research software engineer to conduct R&D in 3D computer vision with a focus on point cloud and terrain model generation from stereo remote sensing imagery.

Working at ORNL

ORNL has an innovative and fast paced culture that rewards open source software development, has a flexible work schedule, and very competitive pay with industry. On any given day, after listening to a talk from a Nobel Laureate, you can eat at two full-service cafés’, go to spin class, or visit the full-service primary care clinic, all without leaving our campus.

Living in East Tennessee

It’s easy to overlook everything East Tennessee has to offer if you haven’t had the opportunity to spend time here. From spending your weekends downtown at Knoxville’s farmers market, the Rhythm n’ Blooms Music Festival, or the Dogwood Arts Festival, to some of the best hiking, kayaking, and camping in the U.S., not only in Great Smoky Mountains National Park but all over the greater area, East Tennessee has something to offer everyone.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The right person for this challenge will have previous experience in research related to 3D computer vision with a background in stereo reconstruction, multi-view geometry, and similar R&D areas. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• R&D: conducting research and development to support project-specific applications of 3D computer vision, machine learning, and unmanned systems.
• Application and Data Development: working with researchers to develop geospatial software and digital surface maps (DSM).
• Requirements Decomposition: working with researchers and project sponsors to capture, understand, integrate, and implement project requirements in developed hardware and software.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: collaborating with a highly diverse and multidisciplinary team – from photogrammetrists, geographers, mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists, and engineers – in research, development, integration, testing, and deployment.
• Publication and Sharing: disseminating results in peer reviewed journals, technical reports, relevant conferences, and open source projects.

Required Qualifications:

• A MS in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, natural sciences or related discipline with at least 5-7 years of experience beyond graduate work.
• Comfortable working as part of a team.
• At least 2 years of experience developing software related to a field involving 3D computer vision.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to a scientific audience.

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers. Experience with software development best practices including, but not limited to: Agile development; version control using Git/GitFlow or similar system; and project management via systems like JIRA, Asana, TeamPulse, etc.
• Experience with geospatial file formats and interoperability standards (e.g., NITF, JPEG2000, LAS, SICD, MISB, OGC web services).
• Excellent understanding of 3D stereo construction, camera models, image acquisition, feature detection, feature matching, and model fitting.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.
• Past hands-on involvement in autonomous systems, navigation systems, photogrammetry, computer vision, geomatics, image science, remote sensing, or geospatial research projects.
• Experience with structure from motion (SfM), simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), or 3D stereo reconstruction including two-view and multi-view methods.
• Experience with OpenCV and other computer vision software libraries.
• Experience with Linux and Windows operating systems is preferred, experience with OS X is desired. The ability to work from the command line is preferred.
• Experience with the following languages: C/C++, Python, R, C#, Java.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.