Staff ML Engineer, Robot Learning (f/m/d)

UZH Alumni; Zürich; Hybrid; CHF 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Hybrid work model

25–30 days vacation

Mobility credit CHF 500

Bonus and pension contributions

Training & development

Relocation support

Discounts on health and mobility

Team events

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Hexagon Robotics in Zürich is seeking a Staff ML Engineer, Robot Learning to own the technical direction of our robot learning stack and help shape how we train, evaluate, and deploy imitation learning models for robotic manipulation.

This senior role requires setting standards, driving execution, and mentoring the team as we scale AEON's capabilities with cross-functional partners. Hybrid work is available, with relocation support and a collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in data science, CS, robotics, machine learning, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in machine learning or robotics development.
• Strong hands-on experience training machine learning models end to end.
• Proven ability to write high-quality Python code in production or research environments.
• Experience with robotics learning frameworks such as LeRobot or equivalent tools.
• Experience working on robotic manipulation, physical AI, or similar applied robotics systems.
• Ability to work autonomously, take technical ownership, and influence team direction.
• Pragmatic, structured, and goal-oriented mindset with a strong focus on execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development, and training of imitation learning models for robotics.
• Own major parts of the robot learning pipeline, including data management, pre-training, fine-tuning, and post-training.
• Define and drive the technical roadmap for robot learning capabilities on AEON.
• Make strong technical decisions that improve model quality, robustness, scalability, and maintainability.
• Collaborate with Product and cross-functional partners to translate customer needs into real-world robotic capability.
• Establish technical best practices and help shape how the team works.
• Use AI coding tools pragmatically while ensuring the codebase remains clean and production-ready.
• Act as a senior technical contributor who can guide others and influence the direction of the team.

Skills

5+ years of ML/robotics experience

Python production code

Autonomous work & ownership

Strong hands-on model training

Pragmatic, execution-focused mindset

Education

PhD or MSc in Data Science/CS/Robotics/ML

Tools

LeRobot

Job description

Staff ML Engineer, Robot Learning (f/m/d)

100% Zürich

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.

We are hiring a Staff ML Engineer, Robot Learning to own the technical direction of our robot learning stack and help shape how we train, evaluate, and deploy imitation learning models for robotic manipulation. This is a senior technical leadership role for someone who can set standards, drive execution, and raise the bar for Physical AI at Hexagon Robotics.

Your Mission

• Lead research, development, and training of imitation learning models for robotics.
• Own major parts of the robot learning pipeline, including data management, pre-training, fine-tuning, and post-training.
• Define and drive the technical roadmap for robot learning capabilities on AEON.
• Make strong technical decisions that improve model quality, robustness, scalability, and maintainability.
• Collaborate closely with Product and cross-functional partners to translate customer needs into real-world robotic capability.
• Establish technical best practices and help shape how the team works.
• Use AI coding tools pragmatically while ensuring the codebase remains clean, maintainable, and production-ready.
• Act as a senior technical contributor who can guide others and influence the direction of the team.

Your Skillset

• PhD or MSc in Data Science, Computer Science, Robotics, Machine Learning, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in machine learning or robotics development.
• Strong hands-on experience training machine learning models end to end.
• Proven ability to write high-quality Python code in production or research environments.
• Experience with robotics learning frameworks such as LeRobot or equivalent tools.
• Experience working on robotic manipulation, physical AI, or similar applied robotics systems.
• Ability to work autonomously, take technical ownership, and influence team direction.
• Pragmatic, structured, and goal-oriented mindset with a strong focus on execution.

What You'll Get

• Flexible working hours and a hybrid model for real work-life balance
• Generous vacation: 25-30 days depending on age
• 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

Great robots need great people.