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AI/ML Research Engineer (University Grad)

Seattle, Washington, United States

Are you passionate about shaping the future of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the robotics field? Our rapidly growing startup is looking for an AI/ML Research Engineer to join our Foundational Models AI team. This role is ideal for researchers and builders eager to innovate and push the boundaries of AI technologies that will be integral to the development of autonomous robotic systems. Located in Seattle, this position offers a vibrant environment to be at the forefront of AI research that will directly influence the next generation of robotics technology.

In this role, you will be working with a small group of AI researchers advancing bimanual manipulation and using multimodal models to create more capable robotic intelligence. You will be writing software, evaluating and training models, and staying up to date with the latest research. We are looking for collaborative teammates that love to build ML software that accelerates our research in this exciting space.

Collaborative Robotics is a team of innovators and builders redefining the future of human-robot interaction. We are working to realize a world where robots are a trusted extension of your surroundings. They work, adapt, and react around you. Not the other way around.

This role is located onsite at our Seattle, WA office.

Applicants must graduate prior to August 2025 to be eligible for this role. The application deadline for this role is January 1st, 2025. Interviews will take place mid-January 2025, for Summer 2025 start dates.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Train, evaluate, and optimize ML models.
  • Develop software and data pipelines that help accelerate our research in robotic manipulation.
  • Keep up to date with the latest robotics ML research and implement promising techniques.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate AI models and data pipelines into real-world robotic applications, ensuring robust and scalable outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in Machine Learning, AI, Computer Science, Math, Physics, or a related technical field. 
  • Understanding of multimodal models, modern ML architectures (transformers, diffusion models, etc.), and imitation / reinforcement learning.
  • Experience training models with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, or similar.
  • Practical experience with ML software engineering best practices – for example, experiment configuration, data pipelines, and workflow automation.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic start-up environment.
  • Must have and maintain US work authorization.
  • Must be willing and able to start work in Summer 2025.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated ability to design and implement ML experimentation and data pipelines with high-quality code that enables fast iteration cycles.
  • Experience with robotic manipulation and simulation stacks.
  • Familiarity with edge compute architectures.
  • Familiarity with GPU / CUDA coding.

The base salary range for this position is $170,000 - $180,000 plus equity and comprehensive benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role and experience level. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position in Santa Clara, CA. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Collaborative Robotics is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Collaborative Robotics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

To all recruitment agencies: Collaborative Robotics does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our employees. Collaborative Robotics is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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