Senior ML Research Engineer

Job Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative Senior Machine Learning (ML) Research Engineer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will lead cutting-edge research initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data science, focusing on developing scalable models and algorithms that push the boundaries of technology. Your expertise will drive the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced ML frameworks across diverse domains such as computer vision, natural language processing, robotics, and signal processing. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful projects that shape the future of AI-driven solutions in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Set research priorities across UQ, calibration, OOD detection, and sim-to-real transfer for terrain prediction.
• Design and run experiments that test the core falsifiable claims behind our approach, including correlation-delta methodology and leave-terrain-class-out validation.
• Lead model architecture decisions for terrain classification and trafficability regression, including Cone Index prediction.
• Guide the AI/ML Engineer on implementation, model training, and benchmarking.
• Own the link between simulation and real-world validation, working with the Simulation and Perception teams to close the sim-to-real gap.
• Write up results for internal review, technical reports, and external publication (preprints, conference papers).
• Represent the technical research direction in funder and partner conversations when needed.

Experience

Required

• Master's or equivalent research experience in ML, robotics, or a related field, with a track record of independent research.
• Deep expertise in uncertainty quantification: calibration, conformal prediction, ensembles, or related methods.
• Strong publication or preprint record in ML, robotics, or perception.
• Strong PyTorch and Python, with experience training on real-world or 3D / point cloud data.
• Experience designing rigorous experiments and validation protocols, including OOD evaluation.
• Comfortable reading and critically evaluating recent papers, and translating that into practical model decisions.

Nice to have

• Terramechanics, off-road autonomy, or terrain prediction background.
• Experience with sim-to-real transfer for perception or control.
• Edge or TensorRT deployment experience.
• Experience mentoring junior ML engineers.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $98,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Parental leave
• Stock options

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Milford, NJ 08848