> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2733216-principal-robotics-machine-learning-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2733216-principal-robotics-machine-learning-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Robotics Machine Learning Engineer - **Company:** Apptronik Inc. - **Location:** Austin, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Board Bringup, 3D Scanning, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, C++ (Programming Language), Code Review, Information Engineering, Data Infrastructure, Distributed Computing Environment, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Robotic Automation Software, Sensor Fusion, Software Engineering, Pytorch, Deep Learning, Information Technology, Machine Learning Operations, Data Pipelines, Data Generation - **Published:** September 5, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/principal-robotics-machine-learning-engineer-apptronik-9904261 ## About the Role Technical Skills (Must-Have) * Deployment Experience: 5+ years shipping machine learning models on robotic systems in production environments. * AI Model Development Proficiency: Expertise in models including CNNs, transformers, and VLAs. * Software Engineering: Proficiency in Python, C++, and PyTorch, with experience building real-time robotic software stacks. * AI Data Pipeline Experience: Experience with data collection, annotation, and synthetic data generation for ML. * Computer Vision: Familiarity with 6D pose estimation, camera calibration/extrinsics, point cloud processing and visual-servoing. * Hardware Bring-up: Experience with the initial calibration and tuning of high-DOF robotic manipulators. Good to Have * ML Ops: Familiarity with distributed training and MLOps principles. * Teleoperation: Experience with VR/haptic interfaces and retargeting algorithms for human-in-the-loop control. * Simulation Environments: Experience with physics engines such as IsaacSim, MuJoCo, or Drake for policy training and validation. * Logistics Automation Background: Experience using manipulators to automate dynamic real-world material handling tasks., * BS/MS/PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. * 7+ years of relevant experience (or 5+ years with a PhD) specifically focused on robotic manipulation or complex motion control. * A proven track record of taking complex algorithms from conception to successfully deploying them on physical hardware. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen Hearing and speech to communicate ## Description The Principal Manipulation Engineer is a core contributor to our robot's ability to interact with the world with human-like world model context, dynamic perception, and interactive behavior. This role is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of learned manipulation, from data engine design through training to on-robot deployment and is expected to diagnose performance bottlenecks. This requires deep fluency in both classical computer vision and modern deep learning to unlock the full potential of state-of-the-art humanoid robot hardware. This role will bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and scalable, reliable production software. We move at startup pace; intense and focused, but sustainable. We operate with high ownership, fast feedback, and low bureaucracy., * Implement and deploy state-of-the-art ML models/algorithms to achieve ambitious, world-class performance on open world object manipulation tasks with physical hardware. * Drive the data engine for manipulation learning: data collection strategy, curation, annotation, and synthetic/real data mix, in close partnership with data infrastructure teams. * Drive the entire development cycle, from prototyping in simulation to robustly transferring and fine-tuning models on the robot. * Identify and prioritize performance bottlenecks, distinguishing between root causes traceable to classical vision (calibration, geometry, sensor fusion) vs those rooted in sub-optimal model/data, to prioritize fixes according to customer-expected levels of reliability. * Act as a force multiplier across the organization. Beyond code reviews, foster a culture of technical rigor, setting the bar for architectural excellence and mentoring the next generation of robotics leaders. ## Related Videos - [Robots are coming into the wild! Full-Stack Robotics Engineers, be ready!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/479-robots-are-coming-into-the-wild-full-stack-robotics-engineers-be-ready) - [AI Space Factories, Hacking Self-Driving Cars & Detecting Deepfakes](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1812-ai-space-factories-hacking-self-driving-cars-detecting-deepfakes) - [Photonic Computing: Programming a New Class of AI Accelerators (incl. Live Coding)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100196-photonic-computing-programming-a-new-class-of-ai-accelerators-incl-live-coding) - [Are Code Reviews Worth It? Insights from 16 Years of Review Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1135-are-code-reviews-worth-it-insights-from-16-years-of-review-data) - [Geometric deep learning for drug discovery](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/264-geometric-deep-learning-for-drug-discovery) - [IKEA Story: Transforming an Iconic Retail Brand](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/444-ikea-story-transforming-an-iconic-retail-brand) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [MLOps – What’s the deal behind it?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/125-mlops-what-s-the-deal-behind-it) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [From Prototype to Production: Build AI Agents with This Free 4-Course Learning Path](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/655-from-prototype-to-production-build-ai-agents-with-this-free-4-course-learning-path) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts) - [MLops – Deploying, Maintaining And Evolving Machine Learning Models in Production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/115-mlops-deploying-maintaining-and-evolving-machine-learning-models-in-production)