Head of World Model

XPENG; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 244,000 - 413,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Snacks

Lunches

Dinners

Fun activities

Competitive compensation package

Job summary

XPENG is seeking a Head of World Models to develop foundational models that enable robots to learn, reason, and act reliably in the physical world. You will lead the development of world foundation models for robust loco-manipulation, with strong generalization across robot platforms and hardware generations.

You will also build efficient learning strategies that leverage diverse data sources, including robot data, low-fidelity human demonstrations, and Internet-scale data.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in CS/AI/Robotics or related field.
• Proven track record leading high-impact AI research or product development.
• Deep expertise in building and scaling foundation/world models or large-scale learning systems.
• Experience leading and developing research and engineering teams.
• Fluency in Mandarin and English with strong communication skills in both languages.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of world foundation models for robust loco-manipulation.
• Oversee data strategies and learning approaches leveraging diverse data sources.
• Recruit, mentor and grow research and engineering teams.
• Collaborate across robot platforms and hardware generations to ensure generalization.

Skills

Leadership in AI research

Foundation models

Team building

Bilingual communication

Education

Master's degree or above in CS/AI/Robotics

Tools

Foundation model scaling

Robotics learning systems

Job description

XPENG is a leading smart technology company at the forefront of innovation, integrating advanced AI and autonomous driving technologies into its vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and robotics. With a strong focus on intelligent mobility, XPENG is dedicated to reshaping the future of transportation through cutting-edge R&D in AI, machine learning, and smart connectivity.

We are seeking a Head of World Models to develop foundational models that enable robots to learn, reason, and act reliably in the physical world.

You will lead the development of world foundation models for robust loco-manipulation, with strong generalization across robot platforms and hardware generations. You will also build efficient learning strategies that leverage diverse data sources, including robot data, low-fidelity human demonstrations, and Internet-scale data.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or above in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or a related field.
• Proven track record of leading high-impact AI research or product development.
• Deep expertise in building and scaling foundation models, world models, or other large-scale learning systems.
• Experience leading, recruiting, and developing research and engineering teams.
• Fluency in both Mandarin Chinese and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages.

What do we provide:

• A fun, supportive and engaging environment
• Infrastructures and computational resources to support your ML model development/research.
• Opportunity to work on cutting edge technologies with the top talent in the field.
• Opportunity to make significant impact on transportation revolution by the means of advancing autonomous driving
• Competitive compensation package
• Snacks, lunches, dinners, and fun activities

The base salary range for this full-time position is $244,140-$413,160, in addition to bonus, equity and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status or marital status or any other prescribed category set forth in federal or state regulations.