R&D expert / Product Manager – On-board AI & Edge Computing for Remote Sensing

Who is VITO

VITO develops technology to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable society and economy. One of the key technologies applied in this context is Remote Sensing. The Remote Sensing Unit of VITO celebrated last year its 25th anniversary but Remote Sensing has never been more fascinating than today. With the increasing number of satellites, drones, processing facilities and technologies like artificial intelligence, the opportunities with remote sensing are larger than ever.

Meet the team:

The Applied GeoAI and Embedded Solutions (AGES) team develops robust AI-driven solutions that power remote sensing, environmental monitoring, and security applications worldwide. Join us if you combine the mindset of a dedicated engineer with the organizational flair of a product/project manager—and you’re excited about bringing AI to the edge—please apply. Send us your CV and a short note detailing how your expertise in embedded AI and project leadership will shape our next generation of on-board data processing systems.

About the job:

Hands-On Engineering & Integration

• Partner with researchers and data scientists to translate cutting-edge AI prototypes into stable, real-world solutions.

• Design and implement embedded AI software and firmware, ensuring efficiency and reliability in low-power, resource-constrained platforms.

• Integrate and optimize models on specialized hardware (GPUs, CPUs, SoCs, …), applying advanced compiler and ML toolchain optimizations.

• Validate and debug end-to-end data processing pipelines, covering data capture, pre-processing, real-time inference, and result output.

Project & Product Management

• Define and oversee execution (budgeting, reporting, consortium management), ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

• Coordinate product development strategies, including market analysis, stakeholder feedback, and strategic technology roadmapping.

• Write and defend research proposals for funding opportunities (regional, national, European), ensuring alignment between technological innovation and market needs.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, external partners, and customers, gathering requirements and providing updates on project milestones.

• Present technical achievements at conferences or workshops, representing the team’s capabilities and securing potential collaborations.

• Lead or support demo sessions and proof-of-concept showcases to highlight the value of on-board AI solutions.

What we offer:

• We work 'activity-based', our activities bring us to our location. Our headquarter is in Mol. Part-time working from home or a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Genk, Leuven or Ostend is possible.

• A competitive salary with a range of benefits, including allowances, insurance and a modular package of holidays.

• Innovation is our asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to take additional training courses and stay up-to-date in their field. You will always have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and discover new technologies.

• You will have the opportunity to be part of an organization with an international reputation, known for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific consultancy.

• With us, you will contribute directly to sustainable developments at local, national and global level through your innovative applications. You provide answers to contemporary societal challenges.

• Moreover, we highly value a good work-life balance at VITO! This is achieved by adopting a flexible attitude depending on your specific needs.

Who are you?

In this role, you will take ownership of both the technical execution and the strategic coordination of AI-based data processing systems for satellites, drones, and other constrained environments. You will actively develop software, integrate new technologies, and troubleshoot issues, while also driving project roadmaps, client engagements, and product development strategies. If you thrive at the crossroads of hands-on engineering and structured project management, this position is for you.

Educational Background:

• Master’s or doctoral degree in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, AI, Space Systems, or a closely related field.

Technical Expertise:

• Practical experience with embedded software development (C/C++) and AI frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, etc.).

• Familiarity with hardware-accelerated platforms (GPUs, FPGAs, SoCs) and real-time constraints.

• Proven skill in optimizing algorithms for energy efficiency, memory footprint, and computational speed.

Project/Product Management:

• Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and deliver projects on schedule and within budget.

• Comfort developing product roadmaps and participating in market or stakeholder alignment discussions.

• Experience writing proposals and managing partnerships or consortia is highly valued.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—engineering, research, and business.

• Clear, concise reporting and documentation ability for both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in remote sensing, geospatial analytics, or drone/satellite-based data systems.

• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ECSS) and relevant safety or reliability requirements.

• Background in business development, partnership management, or strategic technology planning.

• Publications in embedded AI or data processing and experience presenting at technical events.