# Robotic AI Engineer/Applied Scientist - Foundation Models

**Company:** [Maven Robotics](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/maven-robotics)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** ML Engineering
**Skills:** PyTorch, JAX, Python, Transformers, Reinforcement Learning, Vla Models, Multi-Modal Alignment, Distributed Training, Model Compression, Nvidia Jetson, Robotics Kinematics, Robotics Dynamics
**Posted:** 2026-04-20

> Designs Vision-Language-Action (VLA) frameworks and world models for general-purpose robots to reason, adapt, and achieve high task success in complex environments. Requires MS/PhD in CS/ML/Robotics, deep expertise in transformers, RL, or data systems, and PyTorch/JAX proficiency.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Architect Embodied Foundations: Design model architectures (VLA, World Models, etc.) that achieve ultra-high task success rates with minimal human demonstrations.
- Master Data Efficiency: Develop novel co-training strategies and efficient learning algorithms that leverage diverse data sources—from Internet-scale video to sparse, high-fidelity human interventions.
- Generalize Cross Embodiments: Build models capable of zero-shot or few-shot adaptation to new robot configurations, maintaining a high success rate even when proprietary hardware and actuation systems evolve.
- Innovate Real-World RL: Formulate and deploy novel Reinforcement Learning and policy extraction methods specifically designed for physical, real-world manipulation.
- Design the Data Loop: Collaborate on advanced data collection systems to capture critical human intervention data for model bootstrapping.

## Qualifications
**Must-have:**
- MS or PhD in CS, Robotics, Machine Learning, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience).
- Deep Technical Mastery: Advanced understanding of **transformers**, **multi-modal alignment**, and mapping perception to high-frequency motor control.
- Specialized Excellence: Proven ability to innovate within one or more areas: **VLA models**, **Real-world RL**, or **large-scale Data Infrastructure**.
- Software Excellence: Expert-level **Python** and deep familiarity with **PyTorch** or **JAX**.

**Nice-to-have:**
- A track record of high-impact publications (NeurIPS, ICRA, RSS, CVPR) or significant open-source contributions.
- Experience with **large-scale distributed training** and **model compression**.
- Experience with deployment of models to **edge devices** (NVIDIA Jetson/Orin) for real-time inference.
- General knowledge of robotics principles (**kinematics**, **dynamics**).

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