Staff Machine Learning Engineer

Hexagon Robotics; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Hybrid work model

Mobility credit CHF 500

Bonus system & pension contributions

Relocation support

Discounts on health, mobility & ent.

Team events

International culture

Job summary

Hexagon Robotics, a division of Hexagon, seeks a Staff ML Engineer in Zurich to advance a next-generation robotic platform that automates tasks with precision. You will design ML methods for robotic manipulation, collaborating with roboticists, controls engineers, CV engineers, and software engineers to integrate learning-based methods into production systems.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, mentoring, and shaping the roadmap for future robot capabilities.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent.
• 6+ years experience developing and deploying multi-modal ML models, preferably in robotics.
• Experience training generative models for robot control (transformers, diffusion, or flow matching).
• Experience deploying ML on resource-constrained hardware for online inference.
• Proficiency in ML frameworks: PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.
• Solid Python programming; C++ a plus.
• Knowledge of ROS2, Omniverse; collaboration with control/perception teams.
• Proficiency in English; basic German helpful.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop ML methods for robotic manipulation, focusing on imitation learning and robotics foundation models.
• Monitor state-of-the-art and help shape the technical roadmap.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate learning-based methods into robot software stack.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior team members.

Skills

Multi-modal ML

Robotics ML

Imitation learning

Transformers/Diffusion

Edge inference

Python

C++

ROS2

English

Education

MS/PhD in CS/Robotics

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

JAX

ROS2

Omniverse

Python

C++

Job description

Hexagon Robotics is a division of Hexagon – a global leader in precision measurement. The division develops humanoid robots for industrial sectors to address labor shortages and accelerate the transition from automation to autonomy. Our first humanoid, AEON, was launched in June 2025 and is already in pilots with five customers.

As a Staff ML Engineer, you will join a rapidly growing robotics team in Zurich, dedicated to developing a next-generation robotic platform that automates industrial tasks with unmatched precision and intelligence.

We are looking for an experienced and driven ML Engineer to develop algorithms leveraging generative AI models for intelligent object manipulation. You will play a key role in enabling our robots to interact with the physical world and perform valuable tasks for our customers. Your focus will be on developing algorithms, training methods, and data pipelines to enable new robot skills. You will collaborate with roboticists, controls engineers, computer vision engineers, and software engineers to integrate machine learning models into robust production systems for automating complex industrial tasks. If you're passionate about robotics and machine learning, and excited to solve challenging real-world problems, we'd love to hear from you.

Join our team and help build the next generation of autonomous mobile robots!

Your Mission

• Design and develop state-of-the-art machine learning methods for robotic manipulation, with a focus on imitation learning, robotics foundation models, and RL model refinement
• Monitor the evolving state of the art and help shape our technical roadmap
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to integrate learning-based methods into our robot software stack
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior team members, fostering innovation and teamwork

You’ll thrive in this role if you enjoy:

• Being part of an R&D team with startup spirit in a globally active company
• Working in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment
• Engineering and development from prototype to innovative serial production
• Active and hands-on development of robotic manipulation systems
• Team-oriented problem-solving and creative thinking to push the boundaries of cutting-edge technologies

Your Skillset

• MS/PhD in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent
• 6+ years of experience in developing and deploying multi-modal machine learning models, preferably within the robotics domain
• Expertise developing and training generative models for robot control using transformers, diffusion, or flow matching is a plus
• Experience deploying machine learning algorithms on resource-constrained hardware for online inference is a plus
• Proficiency in machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX
• Solid programming skills in Python; experience with C++ is a plus
• Knowledge of robotics frameworks and tools (particularly ROS2, Omniverse) and ability to work closely with robotic control and perception teams is a plus
• Proficiency in English required; basic German skills advantageous

What You’ll Get

• Flexible working hours and a hybrid model for real work-life balance
• CHF 500 mobility credit for sustainable commuting
• Bonus system & strong pension contributions
• Tailored training & development opportunities
• Relocation support for a smooth start
• Discounts on health, mobility & entertainment
• Team events and a flat hierarchy where your voice counts
• A warm, international culture built on respect and collaboration