VP of Machine Learning & Sensors - AI Innovation Leadership

VP of Machine Learning & Sensors - AI Innovation Leadership

The Elevator Pitch

 Join Evolv as VP of Machine Learning & Sensors to lead our AI innovation in physical security technology. You'll head our ML/AI team developing cutting-edge computer vision and modern deep learning solutions that process multi-sensor inputs (3D cameras, magnetics, X-ray) in real-time on constrained hardware platforms. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll combine technical expertise with team mentorship to push the boundaries of AI-powered physical security screening solutions.

Success in the Role: What are performance outcomes over the first 6-12 months you will work toward completing?

In the first 30 days, you will:

·       Deep dive into Evolv’s sensors, algorithms, and development processes

·       Understand the real-time processing, hardware limitations, and environmental constraints.

·       Meet and assess current AI/ML team capabilities and needs.

·       Review existing model performance metrics and areas for improvement.

Within the First Three Months:

·       Challenge status quo and existing design approaches.

·       Create a roadmap for ML tools and infrastructure improvements.

·       Build relationships with cross-functional engineering teams to optimize ML implementation.

By the End of the First Year:

·       Build and mentor a high-performing AI/ML team.

·       Create a scalable, rapid model development, validation, and deployment process.

·       Drive innovation in multi-sensor fusion algorithms

·       Help oversee the transition of Evolv Innovation Center (EIC) products from POC to initial customer validation phases.

·       Define and execute the company's sensor-driven AI strategy, aligning it with business objectives to drive growth and innovation.

The Work: What type of work will you be doing? What assignments, requirements, or skills will you be performing on a regular basis?

Technical Leadership:

·       Lead development of computer vision and modern ML development, including transformer-based architectures and advanced neural networks.

·       Architect solutions combining multiple sensor inputs.

·       Expand knowledge of magnetic sensor processing, X-ray imaging systems, and related sensing technologies.

·       Implement best practices in model training, validation, and deployment.

·       Understand the technology stack from the nuts and bolts up: be the “chief systems engineer” and obstacle breaker.

·       Partner with external stakeholders and academic institutions to stay ahead of technological advancements.

Innovation Management

·       Lead R&D initiatives in sensor/ML/AI innovation.

·       Elicit commitment and feedback with a regular cadence of demos and proofs-of-concept.

·       Identify new opportunities for AI applications.

·       Stay current with the latest ML developments and drive continuous improvement in sensing capabilities.

Team Leadership:

·       Build and mentor the Algorithms & Sensors team.

·       Enable rapid development through prioritization, planning, and automation.

·       Drive innovation culture while maintaining a practical focus.

·       Represent AI and sensor initiatives to the executive team.

·       Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product, hardware, software engineering, and DevOps/SQA to integrate ML solutions into the security platform.

Technical Expertise Required:  Machine Learning & Computer Vision

·       PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field

·       10+ years’ experience in computer vision/deep learning

·       Strong command of emerging tools and architectures in machine learning

·       Understanding of 3D camera technologies

·       Expertise in sensor fusion algorithms

·       Experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, and other ML frameworks

·       Strong programming skills in Python and C++.

·       Knowledge of hardware acceleration technologies (GPU, NPU and TPU)

What is the leadership like for this role? What is the structure and culture of the team?

• You will join the R&D Organization and report to our Executive Vice President and Head of Engineering.
• You will lead a team of independent and impactful engineers with backgrounds including Electromagnetics, Computer Vision, and AI.
• The R&D organization is comprised of more than 100 dedicated developers, engineers, and managers with deep expertise who are always willing to help.
• The team culture is one based on building trust, collaboration, on-going development