Founding ML Robotics Engineer

Recruiting From Scratch; San Francisco, California, New York (CA, MO, NY); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative robotics startup is seeking a Founding ML Robotics Engineer to pioneer the development of humanoid robots. This role involves creating advanced control systems, integrating machine learning with real-world hardware, and collaborating with talented engineers to bring delightful robots to life. If you're passionate about robotics and want to make a significant impact in a fast-paced startup environment, this is your chance to be part of a groundbreaking team. Join us in transforming everyday life with cutting-edge consumer robotics and showcase your work at CES 2026!

Benefits

Competitive salary

Equity stake

Founding team influence

Work with industry leaders

Showcase at CES 2026

Qualifications

• 4+ years in complex robotics systems, preferably in industry or PhD.
• 2+ years integrating ML with hardware platforms like servo control.

Responsibilities

• Develop ML-driven control systems for humanoid robots.
• Own end-to-end development from policy training to hardware integration.

Skills

Machine Learning Integration

Robotics Development

Policy Development

Sensor Fusion

Real-Time Systems

Behavior Cloning

Reinforcement Learning

Imitation Learning

Education

MS in Robotics

PhD in Robotics

MS in Computer Science

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Servo Motors

Job description

Who is Recruiting from Scratch:

Recruiting from Scratch is a talent firm that focuses on placing the best candidate for our clients.

https://www.recruitingfromscratch.com/

Founding ML Robotics Engineer

Location: New York, NY
Company Stage of Funding: Seed ($5M raised)
Office Type: Hybrid (4-5 days in office weekly)
Salary: $170,000 - $230,000 + 0.5% - 1.3% equity

Company Description

Recruiting from Scratch is partnering with an innovative robotics startup that's building the next generation of consumer humanoid robots. Our client is on a mission to create delightful robots that bring joy into homes around the world – making everyday life easier and more fun.

This well-funded startup ($5M seed round) is sprinting toward a major product launch at CES 2026 and is looking for pioneering talent to join their founding team. If you've dreamed of building robots that will transform how people live, this is your opportunity to make history.

The company is led by top-tier robotics talent with experience from industry leaders like Boston Dynamics and prestigious academic institutions. They're creating a magical world of animated objects accessible to everyone, focusing on consumer applications rather than enterprise solutions.

What You Will Do

• Pioneer ML-Driven Control Systems: Develop advanced whole-body locomotion and manipulation policies for a humanoid robot, creating artistic, smooth, safe, and robust behaviors
• Own End-to-End Development: Take charge of everything from policy training to hardware integration, with inspiration from cutting-edge research like Disney Research's "Design and Control of a Bipedal Robot Character"
• Bridge Simulation to Reality: Engineer solutions that close the sim2real gap for robots built on inexpensive servo motors
• Collaborate Across Functions: Work with hardware engineers and character designers to iterate on hardware design
• Build for Scale: Develop solutions that can transition from prototypes to production-ready systems for a consumer product
• Make History: Play a critical role in deploying delightful, helpful robots into homes – your work will directly determine the success of the robot and the company

Ideal Candidate Background

• 4+ years of experience working on complex robotics systems, either at robotics companies or as part of a PhD program
• 2+ years of industry experience integrating ML algorithms with real-world hardware platforms—servo control, sensor fusion, real-time systems
• MS or PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• Expertise in behavior cloning, reinforcement learning, or imitation learning as applied to robotics
• Hands-on experience with policy development and hardware integration
• Comfortable in a fast-paced startup environment with resource constraints

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with humanoid or bipedal robotics
• Background in developing robots for consumer applications
• Experience training policies on affordable servo motors
• Personal robotics projects or side developments that demonstrate passion and creativity
• Ability to think beyond technical challenges to create delightful user experiences

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary range: $170,000 - $230,000
• Meaningful equity stake: 0.5% - 1.3%
• Opportunity to be part of a founding team with significant influence
• Work directly with industry-leading talent
• Be at the forefront of consumer robotics innovation
• Showcase your work at a major industry event (CES 2026)

Additional Information

This position requires physical presence in New York, NY, 4-5 days per week