Principal Physical AI Distributed Systems Researcher

Real-Time Innovations (RTI); Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working schedule

Home Office Stipend

Flexible Paid Time Off

Real Vacation Bonus

Competitive compensation with annual bonus

Job summary

Real-Time Innovations (RTI) is searching for an experienced researcher to drive innovation in distributed systems. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. and over 7 years of research experience in the field, solid programming skills in C/C++, Java, or Python, and the ability to work with cutting-edge technology. This role offers a competitive salary between $170,000 and $240,000 and includes flexible work options along with additional benefits like a vacation bonus and annual performance-based compensation.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in distributed systems research.
• Excellent written communication skills and research publications.
• Ability to engage with a highly distributed team.

Responsibilities

• Innovate new solutions for secure, fast distributed systems.
• Create and execute long-term strategic research activities.
• Work with business development to define research interests.

Skills

Distributed systems research

Programming skills (C/C++, Java, Python)

Written communication

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field

Job description

Are you a creative, risk‑taking researcher who excels at driving innovation from the lab into the real world? Do you thrive on solving the greatest challenges in distributed systems—from AI at the edge and cybersecurity to software‑defined networking—for the world’s most important autonomous machines? If you are a long‑term thinker who wants to work at the intersection of product development and field‑proven technology, this role is for you!

What You’ll Do / Responsibilities

• Innovate new solutions that will form the foundation of secure, adaptable, and fast distributed systems.
• Create and execute long‑term strategic research activities.
• Work with the business development team to define research areas of interest and define interesting research proposal topics.
• Write research proposals and project reports.
• Execute and lead research contracts to push our technology forward. Serve in the role of Principal Investigator and/or Staff Member on externally‑funded research projects.
• Actively interface with research project sponsors, customers, research partners, and prospects.
• Keep abreast of emerging technology trends and share your insights across RTI.
• Communicate technical innovations through papers and presentations.
• Support the transition of promising technical innovations to product including customer trials, coordinating with product management, and working closely with the engineering team to design, develop, test and support this transition.

What We’re Looking For / Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field. Studies related to distributed systems, peer‑to‑peer networks, or computer networking. Solid understanding of computer network protocols; network and system programming, and real‑time and/or high‑performance applications.
• 7+ years of experience in distributed systems research.
• Excellent written communication skills, and evidence of research publications. Experience writing and winning proposals, and research project management.
• Solid programming skills (e.g. C/C++, Java, Python or other scripting languages).
• Demonstrated ability to work with cutting‑edge technology/hardware with little to no support.Ability to work successfully / actively engage with a highly distributed team.
• US Person requirement • Due to applicable laws, government regulations and contract specifications, we are required to fill this position only with an individual who qualifies as a “U.S. Person.”

What We Offer You

• Flexible working schedule.
• Hybrid working + Home Office Stipend to cover the costs of working from home.
• Flexible Paid Time Off + “Real Vacation Bonus,” an additional bonus for taking more than 1‑week of uninterrupted vacation.
• Competitive compensation including annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• We recognize employees for their achievements, offer great opportunities for career growth and development, and provide the tools they need to succeed.

The compensation range for this role is $170,000 - $240,000 for Sunnyvale, California. The salary range displayed on this job posting reflects a minimum and maximum target. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Please note that this range reflects the base salary target range only, and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits.

RTI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

For more information about how we collect and use your data, please see our Privacy Notice for U.S. Job Applicants and Employees.