Job Description
Principal Computer Vision Engineer - Football
Join Our Team at Hawk-Eye Innovations
Location: Hybrid working – minimum 2 days per week in the office
Office locations: Basingstoke, London or Bristol
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £76,340 – £109,060 base salary + bonus + benefits
Hi, I’m James Sharam, Head of Computer Vision at Hawk-Eye Innovations. I’m looking for a Principal Computer Vision Engineer to join our team.
This is a high-impact role focused on leading the development of real-time skeletal, ball and game object tracking across multiple sports, including football. We’re looking for someone who can operate at both a deep technical level and a system-wide level, shaping how we design, build and scale our computer vision systems.
A strong background in mathematics and modelling is encouraged. If you enjoy solving complex problems, influencing technical direction, and seeing your work operate in live environments, I’d love to hear from you.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Principal Computer Vision Engineer to take ownership of complex, production-grade algorithmic systems and help drive the technical direction of our computer vision capabilities.
This role goes beyond implementation. It’s about setting technical standards, shaping architecture, guiding teams, and ensuring systems are robust, scalable and production-ready.
The role is strongly algorithm-focused, with an emphasis on accuracy, performance and system-level thinking, spanning modern C++, multi-camera geometry and distributed systems.
What You’ll Work On
Leading the design and evolution of ball and player tracking algorithms using multi-camera systems
Owning multi-view geometry solutions across entire tracking pipelines
Driving improvements in occlusion handling, recovery and system robustness in live sports environments
Overseeing mature computer vision systems used in real-time production
Guiding performance optimisation across CPU and GPU workloads
Ensuring consistency and reliability across cross-platform deployments
Supporting integration into cloud-enabled and distributed systems
Influencing how systems are designed, built and scaled across the organisation
Key Responsibilities
Lead the development of computer vision systems from concept through to production at a system level
Set technical direction and standards across algorithmic and engineering approaches
Own critical components and ensure long-term maintainability, scalability and quality
Work closely with discipline leads and engineers across CV, tracking, tooling and platform teams
Drive architectural discussions around performance, scalability and deployment
Identify limitations in existing systems and lead pragmatic improvements
Mentor and support engineers through technical guidance, reviews and collaboration
Act as a technical escalation point for complex challenges
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
We’re looking for someone with:
Strong commercial experience developing computer vision algorithms in production environments
Deep knowledge of modern C++, working within large and complex codebases
Strong understanding of performance optimisation across CPU and GPU
Solid experience with image processing, geometry and multi-camera systems
Experience working on systems deployed in real-world production environments
Ability to operate at both detailed algorithm level and high-level system design
Strong debugging skills across complex systems
Experience influencing technical direction or leading technical initiatives
Nice to Have (but not essential)
Experience with CUDA or GPU acceleration
Awareness of concurrency, networking or operating system concepts
Experience working with cloud-based or distributed systems
Exposure to machine learning techniques
Reward, Benefits and Wellness
UK Benefits
25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
Enhanced pension scheme with 5% matching
Hybrid working model
Complimentary Unmind wellbeing app
Onsite gym (Basingstoke)
Sony Group Company discounts
Hungary Benefits
Annual leave in line with local labour law
Hybrid working model (2 days per week in the office)
Access to sporting events and tickets
Sony Group Company discounts
Cafeteria benefits include:
SZÉP Card
Nursery & Kindergarten contributions
Annual MOL Bubi Pass
Private medical insurance
Life & accident insurance
MindentMent Dental Clinic discounts
Seniority awards
Employee Assistance Program
Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
As an active part of a culturally and socially diverse society, Sony Sports Technology is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
We employ, retain, promote and treat all employees and applicants fairly, based on skills, qualifications and professional experience. Our commitment is to provide a respectful and inclusive environment where people can contribute, develop and succeed.
