# Research Engineer / Scientist (3D Tech Lead)

**Company:** [World Labs](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/world-labs)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** ML Engineering
**Experience:** 8+ years
**Skills:** 3D Reconstruction, 3D Modeling, Computer Vision, Graphics, Python, C++, Machine Learning, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Optimization, Neural Radiance Fields, Gaussian Splatting, Rendering
**Posted:** 2026-04-22

> Leads technical vision and execution for 3D modeling and reconstruction systems, driving innovation in learning-based methods, mentoring a small research team, and delivering production-scale capabilities integrated with rendering platforms. Requires 8+ years in computer vision/graphics with strong Python/C++ and ML expertise.

## Job Description

## What You Will Do
- Set the technical vision and roadmap for 3D modeling and reconstruction, balancing research exploration with product-driven milestones.
- Lead the design and implementation of state-of-the-art 3D modeling systems, spanning geometry, appearance, and scene-level representations.
- Drive innovation in modern 3D modeling approaches, including learning-based and optimization-based methods, with an eye toward **robustness, scalability, and real-world data**.
- Guide architectural decisions around 3D representations, training pipelines, and inference systems, ensuring they integrate cleanly with broader 3D data and rendering platforms.
- Lead and mentor a small team of research scientists and/or research engineers: providing technical guidance, setting high standards, and fostering a culture of rigor and ownership.
- Own end-to-end execution of key initiatives, from early research prototypes through production deployment and iteration.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to align 3D modeling capabilities with product needs, timelines, and quality bars.
- Represent the team and its work internally and externally, including contributing to publications, technical talks, or open-source efforts where appropriate.
- Continuously evaluate emerging research and industry trends in 3D modeling and reconstruction, and translate the most promising ideas into actionable plans.

## Key Qualifications
- **8+ years** of experience in 3D reconstruction, 3D modeling, **computer vision**, **graphics**, or closely related fields.
- A strong track record of impactful contributions to the field, demonstrated through academic publications, influential open-source work, or widely deployed industry products.
- Deep expertise in modern 3D modeling and reconstruction methods, including representation design, optimization strategies, and **learning-based approaches**.
- Proven 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++**, with experience building both research prototypes and production-quality systems.
- Hands-on experience with **machine learning frameworks** and large-scale experimentation or training pipelines.
- Solid understanding of how 3D modeling systems interface with data pipelines, **rendering**, and downstream applications.

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