AI Research Engineer - Reinforcement Learning

1X; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Equity

Job summary

A robotics company in Palo Alto is seeking an AI Research Engineer to develop and enhance reinforcement learning algorithms for their humanoid robots. This role involves training the robots on various tasks while collaborating with hardware teams to ensure effective deployment. Strong programming skills in Python or C++, knowledge of PyTorch, and experience with simulation platforms are essential. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Strong programming experience in Python and/or C++.
• Hands-on experience with simulation platforms.
• Experience training reinforcement learning policies.

Responsibilities

• Own the full stack of engineering tasks across simulation and real-world environments.
• Train NEO on manipulation and locomotion tasks.
• Collaborate with hardware teams for sim-to-real policies.

Skills

Python

C++

PyTorch

Sim-to-real gap expertise

Tools

Bazel

Isaac Sim

MuJoCo

Job description

Location: Palo Alto, CA (on-site)

About 1X

We build humanoid robots that work alongside people to solve labor shortages and create abundance.

AI Research Engineer, Reinforcement Learning | AI & Robotics

The Role

As a Research Engineer focused on Reinforcement Learning, you will be responsible for teaching NEO new capabilities through RL algorithms. You’ll work across both simulation and real-world environments to build robust behaviors and deploy them into homes. This role will be instrumental in making our robots safer, more capable, and increasingly versatile.

You Will

• Own the full stack of engineering tasks, from data engineering and model architecture to product deployment
• Train NEO on a variety of manipulation and locomotion tasks
• Collaborate with hardware teams to bridge the sim-to-real gap for policies trained in simulation
• Partner with controls, QA, and data collection teams to ship RL policies to production
• Deploy reinforcement learning-trained skills into real-world home environments

Must Have

• Strong programming experience in Python and/or C++ with familiarity using build tools such as Bazel
• Proficiency with PyTorch
• Hands‑on experience with simulation platforms like Isaac Sim or MuJoCo
• Experience training reinforcement learning policies, especially for manipulation or locomotion
• Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally with hardware, control, data, and QA teams
• Demonstrated experience addressing the sim‑to‑real gap

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary Range: $180,000 – $250,000 + Equity
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer

1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.