# Manager, Applied Research

**Company:** [Quidient](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/quidient)
**Location:** Columbia, MD
**Role:** ML Engineering
**Salary:** $200k – $270k/yr
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Machine Learning, Deep Learning, 3D Reconstruction, Computer Vision, Nerf, 3D Gaussian Splatting, Slam, Sfm, Model Deployment, Inference Optimization, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Gpu Compute, Physically-Based Rendering, Pose Estimation
**Posted:** 2026-04-22

> Leads ML engineering for 3D scene reconstruction platform, driving quality improvements in production pipelines, managing team of engineers and scientists, and coordinating cross-functionally. Requires 7+ years ML experience including 5+ in management, heavy computer vision expertise, and master's degree.

## Job Description

## What You’ll Do

### ML & Reconstruction Quality
- Drive ML-driven quality improvements across the production 3D scene reconstruction pipeline, including panel geometry, background reconstruction, and output fidelity.
- Own model selection, deployment, inference optimization, and operational ownership of ML systems in production.
- Evaluate and apply traditional ML and applied deep learning techniques to improve reconstruction quality; understand when each approach is appropriate.
- Review and contribute to the production codebase, evaluate tradeoffs, identify bottlenecks, and guide technical decisions.

### Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Build, manage, and grow a team of ML engineers and applied scientists within the Advanced Product Development team.
- Drive cross-functional alignment across the Applications & API and Platform teams.
- Partner with the APD technical leads and Director of Software Engineering to scope work, resolve technical blockers, and maintain delivery velocity.
- Operate effectively in a fast-moving startup where priorities shift; maintain focus on the highest-impact work without losing team momentum.

## What You Bring

### Must-Have Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; PhD preferred. Bachelor’s with exceptional experience considered.
- 7+ years of experience in ML engineering or applied research, with at least 5+ years in a people management role overseeing engineers and/or applied scientists.
- Strong production ML expertise: model selection, deployment, inference optimization, and operational ownership. Experience spans traditional ML and applied deep learning; Not a LLM-focused role.
- Proven ability to review, direct, and contribute to a production codebase.
- Experience driving cross-functional alignment across engineering, research, and product stakeholders in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.
- Heavy experience in 3D reconstruction, computer vision, or spatial computing domains (e.g., NeRF, 3D Gaussian Splatting, SLAM, SfM, or related techniques).
- Willingness to work in a hybrid capacity from our Technology Center in Columbia, Maryland, or willing to relocate.

### Nice-to-Have Qualifications
- Background in light transport, physically-based rendering, or GPU-accelerated compute.
- Experience with pose estimation, SLAM, or multi-view reconstruction
- Track record of shipping ML in production in a latency-sensitive or hardware-constrained environment.
- Prior experience at a deep tech startup or in a defense/government-adjacent technology context.
- Scientist or applied researcher who has successfully transitioned into an engineering leadership role.

## What We Offer

### Compensation
- Salary Range: $200,000 – $270,000.
- Annual bonus and equity as appropriate.

### Benefits
- Health insurance
- HSA Account
- 401(k) with company match
- Life & disability insurance
- Paid holidays & generous PTO
- Opportunities for bonuses, equity, and career growth

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