Machine Learning Engineer

Neuralink; South San Francisco, Austin (CA, TX); On-site; USD 199,000 - 331,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

RSU equity

401(k) plan

Paid holidays

Meals provided

Commuter benefits

Parental leave

Flexible time off

Job summary

Neuralink engineers on the BCI team develop state-of-the-art neural encoders and decoders using signal processing and machine learning. You will have access to cutting-edge neural interface hardware and build production-grade code to decode neural data for real-time control of devices.

No neuroscience degree required; we value principled, simple solutions. Base salary ranges from $199,000 to $331,000 USD with RSU equity for full-time employees, plus comprehensive medical, dental, and vision

Qualifications

• Experience writing production-level C/C++/Rust and Python.
• Proven track record of designing, building, and shipping real-time ML products.
• Strong foundation in signal processing, algorithms, and software engineering principles.

Responsibilities

• Telepathy Product: decode neural data for reliable typing and robotic control.
• Blindsight Product: guide neural networks and signal processing to restore vision.
• Develop models for ML applications on BCI and lead the team in building & operating systems.
• Inform hardware roadmap by understanding user needs and impactful features.
• Lead the team by performing at a high standard, setting the bar for our systems.

Skills

C/C++/Rust

Python

Real-time ML

Signal processing

Software engineering principles

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

About Neuralink:

We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.

About the Team:

The BCI team develops the software and systems that communicate with the brain. These systems decode raw neural signals into useful actions, such as moving a cursor, typing, or actuating a robotic arm. Additionally, real-world data, such as video feeds, can be encoded into neural data to project images into the visual cortex. We also work closely with users to gather feedback, make improvements, and fundamentally reshape the user experience and interface of the BCI.

About the Role:

Engineers on the BCI team utilize signal processing and machine learning to communicate with the brain. You will have access to the most cutting-edge neural interface hardware and develop state‑of-the‑art neural encoders and decoders. No prior knowledge of neuroscience is required; we value simple solutions grounded in first principles.

Neuralink designs all hardware in-house, from custom ASICs to thin‑film arrays. There is no part of the technical design that cannot change. Learnings from your work will directly influence next‑generation device architecture.

Job Responsibilities:

• Telepathy Product: Develop and refine models that decode neural data, enabling individuals with paralysis to reliably type at 35 words per minute or control robotics arms for activities of daily living.
• Blindsight Product: Formulate research questions to guide the development of neural networks and signal processing algorithms that will restore vision to those affected by blindness.
• Utilize your fundamental understanding of neural networks and data science to develop models that serve as the foundation for machine learning applications for BCI.
• Lead the team by performing at a high standard, setting the bar for how we build and operate our systems.
• Inform our hardware roadmap by understanding users and identifying the product features that would have the greatest impact on their quality of life.

About You:

• Experience writing production-level C/C++/Rust and Python
• Proven track record of designing, building, and shipping real‑time ML products
• Strong foundation in signal processing, algorithms, and software engineering principles
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent experience

Fast forward to 40:32 to learn more about neural decoding:

Expected Compensation:

The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the following range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We also believe in aligning our employees’ success with the company’s long‑term growth. As such, in addition to base salary, Neuralink offers equity compensation (in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU)) for all full‑time employees.

Base Salary Range:

$199,000—$331,000 USD

What We Offer:

Full‑time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
• Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
• Paid holidays
• Commuter benefits
• Meals provided
• Equity (RSUs) *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
• 401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
• Parental leave *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
• Flexible time off *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded