Driving Innovation: Kitware’s Planned Strategic Growth in AI and Cybersecurity
I’ve been thinking a lot about how Kitware has grown over the years. In 1998, we started the company with the vision of creating a sustainable business model around the open source Visualization Toolkit (VTK). Since then, we have expanded from the original five founders to over 200 employees with a worldwide presence, with expertise in the following areas:
We are actively looking to expand into new adjacent areas by expanding the Kitware team.
Organic Growth: Building on Core Strengths
Kitware’s initial growth phase was organically driven, stemming from its deep-rooted expertise in software development processes, medical computing, and high-performance computing (HPC). This foundational knowledge led to the creation of groundbreaking open-source tools like VTK, ITK, Paraview, and CMake, which have become industry standards and democratized access to advanced technologies, fostering a collaborative spirit within the scientific and research communities. Kitware’s commitment to open-source principles further solidified its reputation as a trusted partner and thought leader in the software development landscape.
Strategic Hiring: Amplifying Capabilities
While organic growth has been pivotal, Kitware’s expansion has also been significantly accelerated by the strategic acquisition of exceptional talent who resonate with the company’s vision and values. These individuals, with their diverse skill sets and leadership acumen, have catalyzed Kitware’s entry into new domains and propelled its growth trajectory. A great example is Dr. Anthony Hoogs, whose arrival in 2007 brought computer vision expertise to the company. Under his stewardship as the Vice President of AI, Kitware has not only solidified its position at the forefront of computer vision and AI research but has also translated these advancements into impactful solutions across multiple sectors.
Future Growth: Cybersecurity
In the Fall of 2024, building on our expertise with CMake and our connections to DARPA, we were part of the Riverside Research winning team on the DARPA E-BOSS project. Currently, Kitware is actively seeking to expand its presence in the cybersecurity sector. I believe that someone with vision and drive could come into Kitware, much like Dr. Hoogs did with computer vision, and create a large cybersecurity research team. That person could leverage Kitware’s existing expertise in AI and software development to address emerging cyber threats.
Cybersecurity Job Postings
Assistant Director, Advanced Cybersecurity Research
Technical Leader, Advanced Cybersecurity Research
Future Growth: Scientific AI
Kitware is also looking to expand its leadership in AI-driven scientific discovery, building on our strengths in high-performance computing, computer vision, and large-scale data analysis. We are seeking a visionary leader to establish a pioneering research team that accelerates breakthroughs in materials science, energy research, and large-scale simulations. With Kitware’s strong foundation in open science, AI, and software development, this leader will have the opportunity to build a world-class research program at the intersection of AI and scientific innovation.
Scientific AI Job Postings
Assistant Director of Scientific AI Research
Technical Leader of Scientific AI Research
The Future is Bright
Kitware’s journey is far from over. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, fostering a culture of collaboration, and attracting top-tier talent who share its passion for problem-solving. As Kitware embarks on this new chapter, with a focus on cybersecurity and scientific AI, the company is poised to continue our legacy of excellence, delivering transformative solutions that shape the future of technology and society.
Looking to lead a team in cutting-edge AI and make a real impact in areas like cybersecurity or scientific AI? Explore Kitware’s Senior Leadership opportunities to see if you have what it takes: https://www.kitware.com/careers/leader/