VP R&D Manager – AI / Computer Vision | Early-Stage Industrial Automation Startup

VP R&D Manager – AI / Computer Vision | Early-Stage Industrial Automation Startup

We are looking for a hands-on VP R&D Manager to join a young, early-stage startup developing advanced AI-based computer vision software for automation and robotics.

The company’s customers are global industrial leaders across the medical devices, defense and space, automotive, and electronics sectors. This is a unique opportunity to build an R&D organization from the ground up and take a key role in shaping the company’s technology and product direction.

The position reports directly to the CEO and is part of the company’s management team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the company’s R&D strategy and ensure alignment with business and product goals.
• Lead and grow a team of around 5 software and algorithm engineers, scaling to 12–15 within the next 12–18 months.
• Stay close to the code — reviewing, guiding, and providing technical direction.
• Drive end-to-end development of products and features, from design to implementation.
• Collaborate closely with the CTO, product, sales, and manufacturing teams.
• Evaluate and adopt new technologies that provide a competitive edge.

Requirements

• Strong leadership skills and proven experience in building and managing small, high-performing R&D teams.
• Deep understanding of software architecture, algorithms, computer vision, and AI.
• Ability and motivation to remain hands-on in code in an early-stage environment.
• Background working with or developing solutions for industrial sectors (medical, defense, automotive, or electronics).
• Startup mindset — proactive, adaptable, and able to thrive under pressure.
• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Engineering.
• 7+ years of progressive R&D leadership experience.

If you’re excited about building cutting-edge AI and computer vision technology for the world’s most advanced industrial clients — and want to help shape a company from the ground up — we’d love to hear from you.