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Reinforcement Learning Robotics Jobs in California

Horizon Robotics

Research Scientist

Cupertino, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $300K/yr

We are looking for someone with expertise in and enthusiasm for machine learning research, especially in Robotics, Embodied AI, Reinforcement learning (RL) , etc. As a Research Scientist in the team ...

Dexmate

Robot learning engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

... for robotics applications • Deep expertise in modern robot learning techniques (reinforcement learning, imitation learning, behavior cloning, etc.) • Strong proficiency in Python and deep ...

Skild AI

Machine Learning Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Develop and implement state-of-the-art reinforcement learning algorithms for robotic applications. * Design and conduct experiments to train RL models and conduct real-world tests. * Collaborate ...

Figure

Helix AI Engineer, Robot Learning

San Jose, CA · On-site

Experience with behavior cloning, reinforcement learning , or related learning-based manipulation methods * Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for robotics and ML systems * Experience with modern deep ...

Figure

Helix AI Engineer, Robot Learning

San Jose, CA · On-site

Experience with behavior cloning, reinforcement learning , or related learning-based manipulation methods * Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for robotics and ML systems * Experience with modern deep ...

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Reinforcement Learning Robotics information

What are some common challenges faced when implementing reinforcement learning algorithms in robotics projects?

One common challenge in this role is bridging the gap between simulation and real-world environments, as algorithms that perform well in simulation may not translate directly to physical robots due to unpredictable variables and hardware limitations. Additionally, ensuring the safety and stability of the robot during training is crucial, since trial-and-error learning can sometimes result in unintended behaviors or hardware damage. Collaboration with hardware engineers and domain experts is often necessary to fine-tune models, interpret results, and iterate on solutions. Overcoming these challenges requires patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills within a multidisciplinary team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reinforcement Learning Robotics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reinforcement Learning Robotics Engineer, you need a strong background in robotics, machine learning, and programming, typically supported by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Expertise with frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch, experience with simulation environments (such as Gazebo or ROS), and familiarity with reinforcement learning algorithms are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this rapidly evolving field. These skills enable engineers to develop intelligent robotic systems that adapt and learn efficiently, driving innovation and practical deployment in real-world environments.

What is reinforcement learning in robotics?

Reinforcement learning in robotics refers to a type of machine learning where robots learn to perform tasks through trial and error, receiving feedback from their actions in the form of rewards or penalties. This approach allows robots to autonomously develop complex behaviors by interacting with their environment, rather than relying solely on pre-programmed instructions. Reinforcement learning is especially useful for tasks that are difficult to model explicitly, such as walking, grasping, or navigation. Over time, the robot improves its performance by maximizing the cumulative reward, leading to more efficient and adaptive behaviors.

What is the difference between Reinforcement Learning Robotics vs Machine Learning Engineer?

AspectReinforcement Learning RoboticsMachine Learning Engineer
Required CredentialsDegree in Robotics, Computer Science, or related fields; knowledge of reinforcement learningDegree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields; expertise in machine learning algorithms
Work EnvironmentRobotics labs, manufacturing, autonomous systemsTech companies, data-driven projects, software development
Industry UsageAutonomous robots, industrial automation, researchData analysis, predictive modeling, AI applications

Reinforcement Learning Robotics focuses on applying reinforcement learning techniques to control and optimize robotic systems, often in physical environments. Machine Learning Engineers develop algorithms for a broad range of applications, including data analysis and predictive modeling. While both roles require knowledge of machine learning, Reinforcement Learning Robotics emphasizes robotics and real-world interaction, whereas Machine Learning Engineers work across various industries with software-based solutions.

What are popular job titles related to Reinforcement Learning Robotics jobs in California? For Reinforcement Learning Robotics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reinforcement Learning Robotics jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Reinforcement Learning Robotics jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Reinforcement Learning Robotics jobs? Cities in California with the most Reinforcement Learning Robotics job openings:
Reinforcement Learning Robotics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reinforcement Learning Robotics job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution.

Machine Learning Engineer - Robot Manipulation

Maven Robotics

San Francisco, CA

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

Maven Robotics is building the world's leading general-purpose AI robots.

We are currently operating in stealth and are growing the world's best team in AI robotics. We are looking for self-starters that are the world's best in their field, who can innovate from a deep understanding of the fundamentals, and who share our values of unwavering truth seeking and integrity, humility, curiosity, and relentless determination.

Role Description

We are looking to recruit an exceptional Machine Learning Engineer - Robot Manipulation to design, implement, test, and deploy robot manipulation algorithms that enable assembly and material movement tasks.

In this role you will:

  • Design and implement machine learning algorithms, with a focus on reinforcement learning (RL) and imitation learning (IL), to enable robotic manipulators to perform complex tasks in dynamic environments.
  • Translate high-level objectives into machine learning problems and deploy robust, scalable models to real-world robotic systems.
  • Integrate your ML solutions into existing robotics workflows, ensuring that models are performant in both simulated and real-world settings.
  • Drive innovation by incorporating the latest research in machine learning into practical applications that push the boundaries of robotic manipulation.
  • Take ownership of critical ML projects, seeing them through from conception to successful deployment.
  • Collaborate across disciplines to ensure seamless integration of ML models and provide technical mentorship to junior engineers.
Qualifications

Must-have:

  • MS or PhD in machine learning, computer science, robotics, or a related field.
  • Strong practical experience in training and deploying machine learning models for real-world applications.
  • Deep understanding of reinforcement learning (RL) and imitation learning (IL) and their application to robotics.
  • Proficiency in programming languages and tools commonly used in machine learning (e.g., Python, PyTorch).
  • Experience with data collection, preprocessing, and management in the context of training ML models.
  • Self-starter attitude with strong ability to identify problems, prioritize them, then plan and execute working solutions.
  • Enthusiasm for working in a fast paced startup environment and eagerness to support the team on a variety of topics.

Nice-to-have:

  • Familiarity with robotic simulation environments (e.g., Gazebo, MuJoCo) and experience in sim-to-real transfer.
  • Experience in:
    • Designing and implementing reward functions for complex manipulation tasks.
    • Developing models that can handle noisy, incomplete, or sparse data.
    • Deployment of ML models to edge devices for real-time inference.
    • Accelerating ML training processes using GPU, TPU, or other HW accelerators.
    • Using reinforcement learning frameworks, e.g. Stable Baselines, RLlib, or similar.
  • General knowledge of robotics principles, including kinematics, dynamics, and control.
  • Publications or contributions to the machine learning community, particularly in areas related to robotics or reinforcement learning.

Apply