Principal Computer Vision Engineer - Autonomous Systems

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary plus equity options

Health benefits and wellness programs

Generous vacation and personal leave

Advanced training and conferenceアクセス

Centurion, Gauteng office and labs

Impactful work in autonomous tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Computer Vision Engineer in Centurion, Gauteng to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced vision algorithms for autonomous platforms.

You will mentor engineers, drive perception pipelines, and collaborate with hardware teams to integrate vision across robotic systems. A strong background in ML, 3D vision, and real‑time performance is required.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field, with a specialization in Computer Vision.
• 7+ years of professional experience in computer vision and machine learning, with at least 3 years focused on robotics or autonomous systems.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of image processing, 3D geometry, and classical computer vision techniques.
• Expertise in deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and libraries (e.g., OpenCV, PCL).
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, with a strong emphasis on software engineering best practices.
• Experience with sensor fusion (e.g., cameras, LiDAR, IMU) is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of delivering complex computer vision systems from concept to production.
• Experience with parallel computing and GPU programming (CUDA) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research, design, development, and optimization of computer vision algorithms for autonomous systems (e.g., object detection, tracking, segmentation, depth estimation, SLAM).
• Develop and implement real‑time perception pipelines for robotic platforms and autonomous vehicles.
• Utilize machine learning techniques, particularly deep learning, for image and video analysis.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to integrate vision systems into robotic platforms.
• Optimize algorithms for performance and efficiency on embedded systems and specialized hardware.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of computer vision modules in simulation and real‑world scenarios.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Contribute to the overall system architecture and design of autonomous systems.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in computer vision, robotics, and AI research.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

C++

Python

Machine learning

Computer vision

Robotics experience

GPU programming

Education

Master's degree in CS/EE/Robotics

PhD in CV/Robotics

Tools

OpenCV

PCL

CUDA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in developing autonomous systems and robotics, is seeking a Principal Computer Vision Engineer for their Centurion, Gauteng office. This role is crucial for designing, implementing, and deploying advanced computer vision algorithms that power our client's next‑generation autonomous platforms. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of perception systems, working with cutting‑edge technologies in a dynamic and challenging environment. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in machine learning, image processing, and 3D vision, with a proven ability to deliver robust and scalable solutions. You will lead key projects, mentor junior engineers, and contribute significantly to the company's vision of creating intelligent autonomous agents. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced engineer to make a substantial impact on the future of robotics and AI in Centurion, Gauteng. Join a team dedicated to innovation and excellence in the exciting field of AI and emerging technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research, design, development, and optimization of computer vision algorithms for autonomous systems (e.g., object detection, tracking, segmentation, depth estimation, SLAM).
• Develop and implement real‑time perception pipelines for robotic platforms and autonomous vehicles.
• Utilize machine learning techniques, particularly deep learning, for image and video analysis.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers to integrate vision systems into robotic platforms.
• Optimize algorithms for performance and efficiency on embedded systems and specialized hardware.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of computer vision modules in simulation and real‑world scenarios.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Contribute to the overall system architecture and design of autonomous systems.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in computer vision, robotics, and AI research.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field, with a specialization in Computer Vision.
• 7+ years of professional experience in computer vision and machine learning, with at least 3 years focused on robotics or autonomous systems.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of image processing, 3D geometry, and classical computer vision techniques.
• Expertise in deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and libraries (e.g., OpenCV, PCL).
• Proficiency in C++ and Python, with a strong emphasis on software engineering best practices.
• Experience with sensor fusion (e.g., cameras, LiDAR, IMU) is highly desirable.
• Proven track record of delivering complex computer vision systems from concept to production.
• Experience with parallel computing and GPU programming (CUDA) is a plus.?
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Benefits

• Exceptional salary and equity options.
• Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs.
• Generous vacation and personal leave policy.
• Opportunities for advanced training and conference attendance.
• A stimulating work environment focused on innovation in Centurion, Gauteng.
• Access to state‑of-the-art labs and testing facilities.
• Significant impact on the future of autonomous technology.