Research Intern – Machine learning and digital twins

Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich; Zürich; On-site; CHF 27,900 - 42,408; Full time

Job summary

inspire AG, in collaboration with ETH Zurich, seeks a machine learning engineer to develop cutting-edge AI algorithms for digital twin applications in real-world industrial systems. You will build digital twins, collect datasets from real hardware, and deploy control policies for industrial processes.

The role emphasizes hands-on ML, time-series forecasting, and modelling, with collaboration across a research group focused on robotics and automation.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a master’s degree (university) in robotics, electrical or mechanical engineering, or CS.
• Practical knowledge of time series modelling, seq2seq, and data‑driven digital twin models (e.g., Transformers, Mamba, LSTMs) with applications in industry.
• Knowledge/courses taken on estimation theory, network modeling, and graph theory are a plus.
• Excellent coding skills in python, ROS, and ML pipeline experience on simulator and training libraries.
• Good foundation in linear algebra, numerical methods, optimization, and control theory.
• An excellent knowledge (written/oral) of English is a must. Knowledge of German is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop customized Digital Twins for industrial applications using ML from real data
• Develop and maintain the codebase to support various training modules and libraries
• Collaborate with our industrial partner and collect extensive datasets on real hardware
• Design and deploy control policy on industrial applications

Skills

Time series modelling

Seq2seq

Digital twin models

Transformers

LSTMs

Python

ROS

ML pipeline

Linear algebra

Optimization

Control theory

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree candidate in robotics / electrical / mechanical engineering / CS

Tools

Python

ROS

Job description

Research Intern – Machine learning and digital twins

inspire AG is the leading Swiss competence centre for product innovation and advanced manufacturing. As a strategic partner of ETH Zurich, our mission is to transfer knowledge and technology from research to Swiss machine, electrical and metal industries.

The research group Control and Automation at inspire AG offers the following position in collaboration with an industry partner.

Project background

Our research group works on increasing the efficiency of robotics systems in real‑world deployment by enabling quick data collection, calibration, and policy training while ensuring safety and efficiency. For this, we develop novel learning‑based control and policy optimization techniques.

We're looking for a skilled machine learning (ML) engineer to develop cutting‑edge AI algorithms for digital twin applications in real‑world industrial systems. The digital twin applications will include process monitoring, estimation, analysis, optimization, and control policy development. The project requires hands‑on expertise in ML, time‑series forecasting, modelling, and control of industrial plants.

Responsibilities

• Develop customized Digital Twins for industrial applications using ML from real data
• Develop and maintain the codebase to support various training modules and libraries
• Collaborate with our industrial partner and collect extensive datasets on real hardware
• Design and deploy control policy on industrial applications

Profile

Required experience

• Pursuing a master’s degree (university) in robotics, electrical or mechanical engineering, or CS.
• Practical knowledge of time series modelling, seq2seq, and data‑driven digital twin models (e.g., Transformers, Mamba, LSTMs) with applications in industry.
• Knowledge/courses taken on estimation theory, network modeling, and graph theory are a plus.
• Excellent coding skills in python, ROS, and ML pipeline experience on simulator and training libraries.
• Good foundation in linear algebra, numerical methods, optimization, and control theory.
• An excellent knowledge (written/oral) of English is a must. Knowledge of German is beneficial.

Required people skills

• Highly self‑organized and structured way of working and solution orientation.
• High motivation and willingness to learn new skills.
• High level of teamwork, positive work attitude and creativity.

We offer

We offer an internship position in our group, Control and Automation at inspire AG. Through the close cooperation with our project partner, you will quickly establish contacts to industry. In our young team you will work at the forefront of today's knowledge in industrial AI/ML.