Machine Learning & AI Research Engineer

YANMAR R&D EUROPE S.R.L.; Toscana; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International R&D environment

Cutting-edge AI projects

Conferences & collaborations

Job summary

YANMAR R&D EUROPE S.R.L. in Florence, Italy, seeks a researcher to develop data-driven AI solutions across energy systems, engines, robotics, and agriculture.

You will design software prototypes, run experiments, analyze results, and translate findings into practical applications in a hybrid work setting. You will work with experts and partners, contribute to reports/publications, and manage projects from feasibility to deployment, spanning classical ML, deep learning, and cutting-edge AI

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in STEM with research experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design software prototypes and run experiments to advance AI technologies across multiple domains (engines, energy, agriculture, robotics).
• Collaborate with researchers, engineers, universities, and partners to translate research into practical solutions.
• Contribute to technical reports and publications; manage projects from feasibility to deployment and technology transfer.
• Assess and benchmark ML/AI systems, including evaluation metrics and model interpretation.

Skills

Python

NumPy

Pandas

Matplotlib

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Keras

Transformers

LLM

RAG

Model eval

Education

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

Docker

Linux

Git

OpenAI APIs

Azure OpenAI

Hugging Face

LangChain

Ollama

PostgreSQL

Job description

Company Description

YANMAR R&D EUROPE S.R.L. is YANMAR’s European research center driving innovation and advanced technology development for the Group. Based in Florence, Italy, the center focuses on cutting-edge research that supports YANMAR’s global products and solutions across several sectors, including Agriculture, Construction, Marine, Industrial Engines, and Energy Systems. Team members collaborate with international partners and internal stakeholders, contributing to applied research that moves quickly toward real-world implementation. The organization values technical excellence, curiosity, and cross-disciplinary teamwork in a multicultural environment.

Role Description

This is a full-time position with a hybrid working arrangement. You will work alongside researchers and engineers to develop advanced data-driven solutions and AI technologies across YANMAR's strategic domains, including energy systems, engines, robotics, agriculture, and food production. Working within YANMAR's Energy & Digital team, the successful candidate will design software prototypes, run experiments, analyze results, and translate research outcomes into practical solutions.

The role spans classical machine learning, deep learning, and emerging AI technologies, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with internal experts, universities, research institutes, and external technology partners, contribute to technical reports and scientific publications, manage projects from feasibility studies to deployment and technology transfer, and help shape future research and innovation activities.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or Statistics).
• Previous experience in research, either in academic or industrial settings, will be considered a plus.
• Some experience with Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Generative AI.
• Experience with Python programming and good knowledge of the scientific Python ecosystem, including NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib.
• Able and willing to work across several domains (engines, energy, agriculture, robotics) and on several projects in parallel
• Ability to manage projects from feasibility study to delivery, including planning, prioritization, and progress reporting.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken (knowledge of Japanese is considered a plus).
• Curious, proactive, and collaborative mindset.

Machine Learning & Data Science

• Experience applying Machine Learning to tabular and time-series data, including regression, ensemble methods, feature engineering, and model interpretability.
• Experience with Deep Learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Keras, including neural networks, time-series models, and transformer architectures.
• Familiarity with LLM/VLM applications and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), including document processing, embeddings, vector databases, retrieval pipelines, and prompt engineering.
• Understanding of ML and AI system evaluation, including model validation, performance metrics, and benchmarking methodologies.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with Git-based collaborative development (GitHub/GitLab).
• Comfortable working in Linux environments.
• Exposure to Docker and containerized development workflows.
• Experience with OpenAI/Azure OpenAI APIs, Hugging Face, LangChain, or Ollama.
• Experience evaluating LLM/RAG systems using benchmark datasets and retrieval metrics.
• Knowledge of SQL and relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL), as well as data processing with pandas.

What We Offer

• International R&D environment within a global technology company.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI technologies with real industrial impact.
• Continuous learning and professional growth.
• Participation in conferences, workshops, and research collaborations.

  Location

  Florence, Italy (Hybrid)

  Employment type

  Full-time