# Staff/Lead Machine Learning Engineer, Behavior & Planning

**Company:** [Nuro](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/nuro)
**Location:** Mountain View, CA, California
**Role:** ML Engineering
**Salary:** $235k – $352k/yr
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Machine Learning, Python, C++, PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, Reinforcement Learning, Imitation Learning, Generative Models, Diffusion Models, Transformers, Foundation Models, World Models, Llm/Vlm Reasoning, Robotics
**Posted:** 2026-08-07

> Technical leader for Nuro’s Behavior & Planning team, developing and deploying advanced machine learning models for autonomous driving. The role requires 7+ years of ML experience, strong Python or C++ skills, and expertise in areas such as sequential decision-making, generative modeling, or foundation models.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities

### Technical Leadership
- Lead machine learning initiatives across the autonomy stack, framing ambiguous problems, setting technical direction, and driving projects from conception through on-road deployment.
- Design, train, and productionize state-of-the-art models for foundation and world models, LLM/VLM reasoning, reinforcement and imitation learning, generative and diffusion models, and transformer-based prediction and planning.
- Build behavior and planning models that generalize to new cities, geographies, and vehicle platforms.
- Own the full model lifecycle, including data collection, training, onboard inference, closed-loop and open-loop evaluation, and continuous on-road iteration.
- Partner with Perception, Simulation & Evaluation, ML Infra & Data, Autonomy, and Research teams to develop solutions, align priorities, and unblock shared initiatives.
- Mentor engineers and researchers, raise the team’s technical bar, and shape broader roadmap and technical strategy.

## Requirements

- **7+ years** building and deploying machine learning systems, including leading complex, multi-team technical initiatives.
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Strong general machine learning foundations, including model architectures, training, and evaluation.
- Depth in one or more of sequential decision-making, prediction, generative modeling, foundation/world models, or representation learning.
- Understanding of the complete machine learning development cycle, from data collection and training through deployment, onboard inference, and data iteration loops.
- Strong programming and problem-solving skills in **Python** and/or **C++**.
- Ability to lead initiatives, collaborate across teams, and work independently with minimal oversight.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to align cross-functional stakeholders.

## Nice-to-Haves

- Experience in autonomous vehicles or robotics, with familiarity with machine learning in an autonomy or planning stack.
- Experience mentoring engineers or leading a team, with interest in a management or technical-leadership track.
- Familiarity with **PyTorch**, **JAX**, or **TensorFlow**.
- Research contributions to venues such as NeurIPS, ICLR, ICML, CVPR, RSS, or CoRL.
- Strong applied machine learning and production impact.

## Compensation and Benefits

- Base pay range: **$235,030–$352,290**.
- Eligibility for an annual performance bonus, equity, and a competitive benefits package.

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