# Research Engineer / Scientist

**Company:** [World Labs](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/world-labs)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** AI Research
**Salary:** $250k – $350k/yr
**Experience:** 8+ years
**Skills:** 3D Reconstruction, 3D Modeling, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics, Python, C++, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Frameworks, Training Pipelines, Inference Systems, Optimization, Rendering, 3D Representations, Data Pipelines
**Posted:** 2026-01-28

> Leads technical direction and execution for 3D modeling and reconstruction, spanning research prototypes through production systems. Requires 8+ years of relevant experience, deep expertise in 3D methods, strong Python or C++ skills, and experience mentoring technical teams.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Set the technical vision and roadmap for 3D modeling and reconstruction.
- Lead the design and implementation of state-of-the-art 3D modeling systems spanning geometry, appearance, and scene-level representations.
- Drive innovation in learning-based and optimization-based 3D modeling approaches, with emphasis on robustness, scalability, and real-world data.
- Guide architectural decisions for 3D representations, training pipelines, and inference systems, integrating them with 3D data and rendering platforms.
- Lead and mentor a small team of research scientists and/or research engineers.
- Own initiatives from research prototypes through production deployment and iteration.
- Collaborate with research, engineering, product, and other cross-functional partners.
- Represent the team through publications, technical talks, and open-source contributions where appropriate.
- Evaluate emerging 3D modeling and reconstruction research and translate promising ideas into actionable plans.

## Requirements
- 8+ years of experience in 3D reconstruction, 3D modeling, computer vision, graphics, or a closely related field.
- Impactful contributions demonstrated through academic publications, influential open-source work, or widely deployed industry products.
- Deep expertise in modern 3D modeling and reconstruction, including representation design, optimization strategies, and learning-based approaches.
- Experience leading or mentoring a small team, lab, or project group with responsibility for technical direction and delivery.
- Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++.
- Experience building research prototypes and production-quality systems.
- Hands-on experience with machine learning frameworks and large-scale experimentation or training pipelines.
- Understanding of how 3D modeling systems interface with data pipelines, rendering, and downstream applications.
- Ability to make high-leverage technical decisions in fast-moving, ambiguous environments.
- Product-aware mindset focused on reliability, performance, and impact.
- Strong collaboration and technical communication skills.

## Nice-to-haves
- Contributions to technical publications, talks, or open-source projects.
- Experience translating emerging research into production systems.

## Compensation
- Annual salary range: $250,000–$350,000.

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