Annotation Specialist

Team Description: Kitware’s computer vision team is a leader in the creation of cutting-edge algorithms and software for automated image and video analysis. Our solutions embrace deep learning and add measurable value to government agencies, commercial organizations, and academic institutions worldwide. We understand the difficulties in extracting, interpreting, and utilizing information across images, video, metadata, and text, and we recognize the need for robust, affordable solutions. We seek to advance the fields of computer vision and deep learning through research and development and through collaborative projects that build on our open source software platforms.

As an Annotation Specialist, you will work on a team of dedicated individuals alongside our R&D Engineers and Researchers to advance the state-of-the-art in computer vision. Annotation is critical to the success of many of our computer vision projects; the annotations are used in scoring and evaluating our work as well as training our algorithms. Kitware’s Annotation team provides the key data annotation support within our computer vision team to meet these needs. The team uses a variety of software tools to label objects, activities, events, and other items of interest in images and video.

This is an as-needed, project-dependent position with variable hours. Work availability will ebb and flow based on project needs, and a set number of hours each week is not guaranteed. The position requires flexibility to work on-site at Kitware’s headquarters in Clifton Park, NY when project needs require it, including work in a specialized facility. This position will also require obtaining the necessary government clearances.

Use a variety of desktop and web-based software tools to review picture and video sources to identify objects, activities, events, and other items of interest to Computer Vision Researchers in images and video. Perform diverse, detailed annotations in the form of bounding boxes, polygon segmentation, and metadata markups in accordance with established group procedures and a high degree of accuracy. Work with custom in-house software to troubleshoot bugs and optimize the annotation process. Learn new tools and/or technologies as necessary to follow team workflow and accomplish annotation tasks. Use an agile workflow for tracking responsibilities and task progress, including git for task/issue tracking. Work in a fast-paced environment that evolves regularly in response to changing research and customer needs.

Excellent attention to detail. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Willing to learn new tools or programs as project needs evolve and workflows change. Comfortable being proactive and asking questions or for clarification when needed. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) or Google Suite. Excellent customer service focus and communication skills, both oral and written; ability to effectively communicate with multiple individuals in varying levels of the organization. Ability to maintain confidential data. Good interpersonal skills and a team player. High school degree required, advanced degree preferred. Flexibility to work variable, project-dependent hours. Work may be available regularly during active project periods, while other periods may have limited or no hours. A minimum or set number of weekly hours is not guaranteed. Ability and willingness to work on-site at Kitware’s headquarters in Clifton Park, NY when required by project needs. If not already cleared TS/SCI, willingness and ability to apply for and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance. Due to contractual requirements, this position requires U.S. citizenship.

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