Head of Advanced Visual Sensing

The Head of Advanced Visual Sensing (AVS) is responsible for driving innovation, execution, and the long-term objectives of the team, while also fostering job satisfaction and employee retention. You will ensure that technical excellence, operational integrity, and commercial viability are consistently aligned with headquarters (the sponsor) across all business functions. You will lead all aspects of R&D operations, uphold AVS' mission, align with the Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS) agenda, and balance the interests of key stakeholders.

With 5 direct reports and a wider team of 30 technical professionals, you will represent AVS externally to clients, government agencies, and strategic partners.

You will:

• Lead and develop the management team.

• Secure team performance, encourage team engagement, and set up effective communication channels.

• Ensure high-quality IP creation and successful product outcomes.

• Ensure efficient project execution and timely delivery of key deliverables.

• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in workplace quality.

• Ensure departmental goals and initiatives are aligned with parent company objectives.

• Drive knowledge sharing and collaboration with other SSS entities in Europe (R&D centers and Sales & Marketing).

• Negotiate with Headquarters and have full ownership of the AVS business unit budget, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and optimal resource allocation.

• Provide context and data to support informed management decisions.

• Oversee capital allocation for R&D programs, facility investments, and new market opportunities.

• Drive safety, sustainability, and ESG (Environmental, Social & Government) strategy across operations and product lifecycles.

You will bring:

• MSc in Engineering and at least 5 years of management experience in R&D or technology organizations; MBA, PhD, or equivalent experience is desirable.

• Strong people management skills (emotional intelligence) and organizational abilities.

• Demonstrated leadership in delivering global projects or managing complex systems.

• Recognized thought leadership in engineering sustainability, digitalization, or infrastructure innovation.

• Understanding of advanced semiconductor development cycles, imaging, AI (such as edge AI and compute acceleration), and emerging technology roadmaps (including quantum and photonics).

• Familiarity with government funding mechanisms, industry alliances, and joint research ventures essential to the R&D ecosystem.

Sony Advanced Visual Sensing (AVS)

Sony Advanced Visual Sensing is a research and development centre based in Zurich, Switzerland and a former spin-off of the University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich. We develop novel computer vision algorithms, vision sensors and sensing systems based on our world-leading sensing expertise, including event-based cameras, CMOS cameras and depth sensors.

Your new office

Surrounded by Swiss Alps, the Schlieren office is at the doorstep of Zurich, which is consistently voted in top three best cities to live. The city benefits from a very rich ecosystem where prestigious universities, research institutes, companies and organizations collaborate for the development and design of next generation technologies. Our office is very well connected with public transports (train, tram, bus) and located in a very modern and bright building. We have several enjoyable break rooms as well as a terrace which we use for regular social team events or as a casual working area.

Equal Opportunity 

Sony Europe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, or any other protected characteristics. 

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Europe 

Sony Europe will provide reasonable accommodation for any qualified individuals with disabilities in the application process. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at  or by mail to: Sony Europe Limited, Human Resources Department, the Heights, Brooklands, Surrey, KT13 0XW, UK. When contacting us please indicate the position you are applying for, and the accommodation required.