Job Title: Senior ML Research Engineer

Location: Onsite – New York City, NY

Compensation: Up to $300,000 base salary + equity (up to 2.5%)

A New York-based robotics startup on a mission to bring humanoid robots into the real world — no complex infrastructure, no expert configuration. The robots are built to be deployed same-day, with intuitive teaching interfaces that allow users to train new tasks without needing a background in robotics.

Well-funded, backed by world-class investors, and currently raising a large Series A to support next growth phase.

The Role

We’re looking for a Senior Machine Learning Research Engineer who thrives at the intersection of robotics, deep learning, and real-world deployment. You’ll play a pivotal role in developing, training, and optimising state-of-the-art ML models that power the robots’ ability to learn, grasp, manipulate, and adapt to new environments.

This is a highly technical, hands-on role — ideal for someone who loves getting models to run on real hardware and solving challenges in low-latency inference, sensor integration, and learning-based control.

What You'll Do

• Design and train cutting-edge ML/DL/RL models with applications in robotic learning, grasping, and manipulation
• Apply techniques such as Visual-Language-Action (VLA) and Imitation Learning to enable task generalisation and ease of instruction
• Optimise and deploy models to run efficiently on real-time robotic systems
• Work directly with sensors, calibrating vision, touch, and force feedback systems
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across hardware, software, and product to deliver robotic behaviours that are robust and reliable in the real world
• Stay ahead of the curve on the latest advancements in ML for robotics, and help shape the long-term research roadmap

About You

• Real-world experience in Machine Learning, with a strong track record in robotics
• Hands-on experience in robotic manipulation or control
• Proficient in ML/DL frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and deployment tools
• Experience with reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or foundation models for robotics
• Experience deploying ML models onto real hardware, and working with robotics sensors (e.g., cameras, force-torque sensors, depth sensors)
• Strong understanding of model optimisation techniques for real-time, low-latency inference
• PhD or MS in Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field preferred

Why Join Us

• Be part of a founding team building the next generation of humanoid robots
• Work on meaningful technical problems that blend AI, embodiment, and human collaboration
• Competitive compensation and meaningful equity
• Collaborate with some of the brightest minds in AI and robotics
• Work onsite in a high-energy environment in New York City, where the hardware is real, and progress is fast

Note: This role requires relocation to or residence in New York City. We believe in the power of high-bandwidth, in-person collaboration — especially when it comes to robotics.