Senior Manager, Robot Intelligence Data Efficiency

Samsung Research America (SRA); Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 203,700 - 305,500; Full time

Job summary

Samsung Research America's Robot Intelligence Lab seeks a Senior Manager to lead the Data Efficiency group. You will partner with researchers, developers and roboticists to advance AI-led data-efficient robotics for real-world tasks.

You will shape R&D programs, publish papers, and drive patents while coordinating with Samsung Product and Advanced Research labs. This role combines technical leadership with project management in a fast-paced robotics environment.

Qualifications

• PhD in technology or engineering, or equivalent.
• 7+ years in robotics after PhD.
• Deep knowledge of ML training, data handling, multi-GPU training.
• Knowledge of robot learning pipelines including simulation, teleoperation, egocentric video.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage state-of-the-art R&D to push data-efficient robotics learning.
• Lead team to build data processing, learning, and deployment pipelines.
• Lead pilots: proofs-of-concept, demos, prototypes, pilot studies.
• Oversee operations: recruiting, milestones, patents, contracts, purchasing, facilities.
• Generate patents and papers for top-tier publications.

Skills

Robotics leadership

Team mentorship

ML training

Communication

Project management

Robotics fundamentals

Customer engagement

Strategy development

Education

PhD in tech or engineering

Tools

ROS

NVIDIA Isaac-SIM

Job description

Lab Summary

The Robot Intelligence Lab at Samsung Research America is a new facility dedicated to advancing the field of robotics through cutting-edge research and development. The lab’s mission is to develop advanced technologies to power intelligent robotic systems capable of manipulation, navigation, and complex reasoning for a variety of high-impact application areas. To achieve this mission, the lab collaborates closely with external entities such as universities, startups, and government labs, as well as with several Samsung Product and Advanced Research labs.

Lab Summary

The Robot Intelligence Lab at Samsung Research America is a new facility dedicated to advancing the field of robotics through cutting-edge research and development. The lab’s mission is to develop advanced technologies to power intelligent robotic systems capable of manipulation, navigation, and complex reasoning for a variety of high-impact application areas. To achieve this mission, the lab collaborates closely with external entities such as universities, startups, and government labs, as well as with several Samsung Product and Advanced Research labs.

Position Summary

Samsung Research America is looking for a Senior Manager who has an established track record in research and project management in robotics to lead a new Data Efficiency group under the Robot Intelligence Lab. Our ideal candidate is excited about working together with researchers, developers, and roboticists to explore novel AI-led techniques towards generalizing robots to perform tasks in the real world. Samsung’s unique advantage in the consumer electronics market and growing focus on AI will provide you with exciting technical challenges and a rewarding career experience. By leveraging Samsung’s vast product ecosystem to deliver novel user experiences, your work will define Samsung’s future in robotics and significantly impact real-world users.

Position Responsibilities

• Direct and manage state-of-the-art R&D to push boundaries of data efficient learning methods for robotics, including simulation training and evaluation, learning from egocentric video, generative models for simulation testing, real2sim2real, and teleoperation data augmentation
• Lead a team to engineer efficient pipelines for data processing, learning, and model deployment, and support its use by groups within the Robot Intelligence Lab and affiliated Samsung Product and Advanced Research labs
• Lead a team to prepare proof-of-concepts, demo/prototypes, design, and execute pilot studies using available robot platforms
• Manage the operations of the team, such as recruiting, execution of technical milestones, patenting, contracting, purchasing, and facilities
• Generate patents and scientific research papers for top-tier publications

Required Skills

• PhD. degree in a technology or engineering discipline or equivalent combination of education, training
• 7+ years of work experience after PhD. in the robotics domain
• Deep knowledge and experience in ML training, including data and model management techniques, data augmentation approaches, multi-GPU training, model tuning, and model deployment
• Knowledge of production robot learning pipelines and options for data mixtures, including simulation, teleoperation, egocentric video, and third person video
• Strong understanding of robotics fundamentals, including locomotion, manipulation, sensor inputs, SLAM, ROS, simulation environments (e.g. Nvidia Isaac-SIM), and policy architectures
• Passion for leading teams and providing both formal and informal mentorship
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage customers at a business level in addition to a technical level
• Sound knowledge of early-stage technology research programs: understanding user needs, gathering requirements, defining project scope and deliverables, building schedules and executing programs from inception to prototyping
• Stay current with AI/ML and robot learning trends and research; be a thought leader in the Robot Learning area

Special Attributes

• Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Contribute in a team-oriented environment, while driving your own agenda
• Prioritize multiple tasks in order to consistently meet deadlines
• Creatively solve problems in an analytical environment
• Resilience to overcome hurdles and address failures with alternative paths
• Adapt quickly to new environments, people, technologies and processes
• High caliber presentation skills with the ability to adapt message to the audience and situation
• Generate ideas while understanding and incorporating different points of view
• Must be willing to travel domestically and internationally (10%)

Base Pay Range

$203,700 - $305,500 USD

Additional Information

Disclosure of Trade Secrets. Samsung has a strict policy on trade secrets. In applying to Samsung and progressing through the recruitment process, you must not disclose any trade secrets of a current or previous employer.

Essential Job Functions

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, and frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

Samsung Research America is committed to complying with all Federal, State and local laws related to the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact the recruiter or email [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Samsung, we believe that innovation and growth are driven by an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We aim to create a global team where everyone belongs and has equal opportunities, inspiring our talent to be their true selves. Together, we are building a better tomorrow for our customers, partners, and communities.

Samsung Research America is committed to employing a diverse workforce, and provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For more information regarding protection from discrimination under Federal law for applicants and employees, please refer to this link: Pay Transparency