Job details
About the team
We’re a specialized, Munich-based team focused on applied generative modeling and 3D computer vision. While we began as an independent startup, we joined Zillow in October 2024—combining the agility and ownership of a startup environment with the stability, resources, and long-term vision of an established company. This blend gives our team the freedom to innovate with the confidence that comes from being part of a big and diverse organization.Our diverse expertise combines academic excellence with real-world impact; the combination of access to internet-scale real estate data of diverse modalities, expertise in both generative and classical computer vision methods, unique access to consumers, and large-scale compute resources makes our position exceptionally unique. We’re excited to build upon this foundation—and we hope you’ll join us in pushing the boundaries of AI at Zillow!
About the role
As Senior Manager of Applied Science, you will lead the VSAI technical team in Germany, guiding the development and productionization of frontier generative media systems. You will manage a multidisciplinary team of applied scientists, machine learning engineers, and software engineers, balancing hands-on technical leadership with people management and strategic planning.
This role requires strong technical judgment to enable fast, high-quality decisions, as well as the ability to align cross-functional stakeholders around a shared vision. You will be responsible for translating ambiguous research goals into executable roadmaps and ensuring that innovation moves efficiently from prototype to production.
Key Responsibilities:
Leading, mentoring, and scaling a team of applied scientists and engineers
Setting technical and execution strategy for generative media systems
Driving rapid iteration while maintaining production-quality standards
Partnering with product, engineering, and AI leadership to align priorities
Communicating progress, risks, and strategy to senior stakeholders
Fostering a culture of speed, ownership, and collaboration across cultures
Who you are
You are a seasoned technical leader who thrives at the intersection of applied research, engineering execution, and people leadership. You bring both strategic perspective and hands-on technical fluency, enabling you to guide complex ML work while empowering your team to move quickly and independently.
Key Requirements:
Proven experience managing applied science or ML teams in production environments
Strong technical background in machine learning, with exposure to generative models, computer vision, or media AI
The ability to plan and execute under ambiguity with a strong bias toward action
Excellent communication skills across disciplines, cultures, and seniority levels
Ownership and a focus on speed without sacrificing quality
A collaborative mindset and comfort operating in fast-growing, evolving organizations
Get to know us
At Zillow, we’re reimagining how people move—through the real estate market and through their careers. As the most-visited real estate platform in the U.S., we help customers navigate buying, selling, financing and renting with greater ease and confidence. Whether you're working in tech, sales, operations, or design, you’ll be part of a company that's reshaping an industry and helping more people make home a reality.
Zillow is honored to be recognized among the best workplaces in the country. Zillow was named one of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2025, and included on the PEOPLE Companies That Care® 2025 list, reflecting our commitment to creating an innovative, inclusive, and engaging culture where employees are empowered to grow.
No matter where you sit in the organization, your work will help drive innovation, support our customers, and move the industry—and your career—forward, together.
Zillow Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact your recruiter directly.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable state and local law.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
