Intern - Software/ML Engineering

Human Computer Lab; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 41,328; Part time

Job summary

Human Computer Lab in San Francisco is seeking an intern to help build software and machine learning systems for robots. The role involves developing systems for perception, intelligence, and behavior. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in Computer Science or related field and possess strong programming skills in Python or C++. Experience with machine learning frameworks and a passion for building intelligent systems are essential. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to pioneering technology in human-robot interaction.

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++.
• Experience building and deploying machine learning systems.
• Comfortable jumping into unfamiliar systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop software systems for robotic platforms.
• Build machine learning models for tasks like computer vision and audio processing.
• Integrate ML systems with robotic hardware.

Skills

Programming skills in Python

Programming skills in C++

Understanding of algorithms and software engineering fundamentals

Experience with machine learning frameworks

Computer vision

Robotics

Reinforcement learning

Multimodal AI

Education

Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Join us

Human Computer Lab is building robots that feel alive and responsive. We are a fast‑paced and focused team, with the goal of pushing the frontier of human‑robot interaction by making technology more legible, emotionally intuitive, and intentional.

What to expect

As an intern, you will be responsible for helping build the software and machine learning systems that power robot perception, intelligence, and behavior. You will work closely with the team to develop and deploy ML models, build real‑time software systems, and integrate machine learning with robotic hardware — turning research and simulation into reliable, production‑ready robotics software.

In this role, you will:

• Develop software systems for robotic platforms that power robot perception, intelligence, and behavior
• Build machine learning models for tasks such as computer vision, audio processing, and interaction understanding
• Design and implement pipelines for training and deploying machine learning models
• Integrate ML systems with robotic hardware and embedded systems
• Improve robot perception, responsiveness, and behavioral intelligence
• Collaborate with robotics engineers to build integrated robotic systems

You may be a good fit if you:

• Are pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Have strong programming skills in Python and/or C++ as well as an understanding of algorithms and software engineering fundamentals
• Have experience with machine learning frameworks
• Have experience in one or more of the following areas: computer vision, robotics, reinforcement learning, or multimodal AI
• Have experience building and deploying machine learning systems preferably in simulations (Isaac Sim, MJLab, MuJoCo, etc.)
• Are comfortable jumping into unfamiliar systems and can create order through chaos
• Care about users and feel ownership over outcomes, even for systems you don’t own
• Think holistically about systems and approach complex problems with creative, outside‑the‑box solutions

You will be a strong fit, if you:

• Are passionate about building intelligent physical systems
• Move quickly and work well in rapid iteration cycles
• Take ownership over the systems they design and build
• Are curious, resourceful, and motivated to solve difficult problems
• Work well in small, collaborative teams
• Consider not just what immediately works, but how consumers will engage with robots

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. Studies show that women and underrepresented groups often hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria – we don’t want that to be the reason we miss out on great talent.