Senior Research Engineer — 3D Media Processing & ML

i2CAT Research Centre; Barcelona; Hybrid; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 paid vacation days per year

Flexible core hours

Early-Finish Fridays

Intensive summer schedule

Job summary

A leading multimedia technology firm in Barcelona is looking for a Senior Research Engineer to develop systems that capture and reconstruct the world in real time. The role involves designing advanced Machine Learning algorithms focused on 3D reconstruction. Candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in Machine Learning applied to Computer Vision and be proficient in Python. The company offers a hybrid work model, extensive vacation days, and a supportive work environment for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years in R&D or development in Machine Learning applied to Computer Vision.
• Deep understanding of the pinhole camera model and reprojections.
• High level of Python proficiency and capability to optimize codebases.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced Machine Learning algorithms for 3D reconstruction.
• Lead creation of custom datasets and testing across the pipeline.
• Research and apply cutting-edge Computer Vision techniques.

Skills

Machine Learning

Computer Vision

Python

Agile/Scrum

Problem-solving

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

CUDA

Job description

Are you ready to lead the development of systems that capture and reconstruct the world in 3D in real-time? At i2CAT, we are pushing the boundaries of multimedia technology. As a Senior Research Engineer, you will join our Media Tech group, an elite team of over 20 researchers and engineers collaborating with major European players (Horizon Europe, SNS JU) to define the next generation of interactive and distributed systems.

If you are passionate about Machine Learning applied to computer vision and want to see your algorithms power end-to-end volumetric capture and processing pipelines, this is your place.

What we expect from candidates:

This is what you will be expected to:

• Design and implement advanced Machine Learning algorithms focused on 3D reconstruction and volumetric media processing.
• Lead the creation of custom datasets and the testing of new solutions across the full pipeline (capture, processing, compression, and delivery).
• Develop and optimize multi-sensor processing pipelines, ensuring high-fidelity camera synchronization and calibration.
• Research and apply cutting-edge Computer Vision techniques, utilizing pinhole camera modeling and complex geometric transformations.
• Collaborate closely with high-profile international partners from academia and industry under the umbrella of competitive national and international projects.
• Drive technology transfer through high-impact scientific publications, patents, and open-source software that set industry standards.

What will you enjoy with us?

• We practice a 4-1 hybrid model (4 days in our office, 1 day from home) to balance face-to-face collaboration with deep-focus remote work. Although, keep in mind that this is the model working for us now; it could change in the future. Don't take it as if it's granted forever.
• Enjoy core hours flexibility: as long as you're online for our team syncs between 10:00 and 15:00, you can design the rest of your day to fit your rhythm.
• Early-Finish Fridays: We believe in a long weekend. Every Friday throughout the year is an intensive 6.5-hour workday, so you can kick off your personal time by mid-afternoon.
• Intensive summer schedule: To help you enjoy the sun and balance family life during school holidays, we switch to a 7-hour workday from June 22nd to September 4th.
• You get 27 paid vacation days per year, well above the legal minimum, giving you over five full weeks to recharge whenever you need them. You are asked to enjoy at least 12 vacation days during summer.
• We will work so that you have a career plan to promote your growth and development.

And what about our recruitment process? Well, it has 3 phases:

• Phase 1: Interview with P&T department + our 2 hiring managers
• Phase 2: Technical assessment with P&T department + our 2 hiring managers
• Phase 3: Executive interview with P&T department + our department manager - optional. We almost never use this one, but in case we will ask you for another interview in case we need to clarify some details. So, expect the usual of 2 phases.

Requirements:

Must-haves:

• Professional experience: Minimum of 2 years in R&D or development in ML applied to Computer Vision or 3D reconstruction.
• Technical mastery: Deep understanding of the pinhole camera model, extrinsics/intrinsics, and reprojections.
• ML Frameworks: Proven experience with PyTorch or TensorFlow, and debugging tools like TensorBoard or Weights&Biases.
• Proficiency: High level of Python and the ability to quickly understand and optimize existing codebases.
• Methodologies: Experience working within Agile/Scrum environments.
• Languages: Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential for international collaboration. Language assessment during the interview.

Nice-to-haves:

• Experience in C++ programming.
• Proficiency in GPU programming (CUDA/OpenCL).
• Background in immersive technologies (XR, VR, AR) or game engines like Unity/Unreal.
• Experience in video coding, point cloud compression, or streaming pipelines.

Soft Skills:

• Self-driven mindset with a high degree of proactivity.
• Critical thinking and a problem-solving approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for a collaborative, multicultural environment.