Senior Researcher, Robot Intelligence

Samsungresearchamerica; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 158,800 - 218,100; Full time

Job summary

Samsung Research America in Mountain View seeks a robotics researcher to advance embodied intelligence. You will explore robotics foundation models, VLA and VLMs, and open-world perception, applying these skills to real-world robotic tasks.

The role involves prototyping, cross-functional collaboration, and publishing papers while contributing to patents. A PhD and 2+ years in relevant areas are preferred, with strong skills in PyTorch/TensorFlow, ROS, and C/C++.

Qualifications

• PhD in EECS/Robotics or equivalent demonstrated by education and research.
• 2+ years’ industry experience in robotics foundation models and VLMs.
• Solid understanding of CV techniques and real-time video processing.
• Strong research in embodied intelligence including RL and imitation learning.
• Experience with foundation and diffusion models, AI agents, and LoRA tuning.
• Familiarity with PyTorch, TensorFlow, ROS, CUDA, and C/C++.
• Knowledge of SLAM, locomotion, manipulation, and sensor fusion.
• Excellent problem-solving and collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct state-of-the-art research on robotics and embodied intelligence.
• Design and implement prototypes and demos on robotic platforms.
• Collaborate in cross-functional teams and evaluate performance.
• Provide technical leadership and influence R&D priorities.
• Generate patents and publish at top venues.

Skills

PhD in EECS/Robotics

Robotics foundation models

VLA and VLMs

Computer vision

Reinforcement learning

Imitation learning

Foundation models & diffusion

Model performance monitoring

PyTorch / TensorFlow

ROS / CUDA

C / C++ / Java

SLAM / robotics fundamentals

Communication skills

Education

PhD in EECS/Robotics

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

ROS

CUDA

Mujoco / Isaac Sim

C / C++

Java

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 such as robotics foundation models, vision‑language‑action (VLA) models, vision language models (VLMs), reinforcement learning, imitation learning, advanced sensing, and sensor fusion to create intelligent robotic systems capable of interacting with their environment in a human‑like natural manner. To achieve this mission, the lab collaborates closely with both with external entities such as universities, startups, and government labs, and with several Samsung Product and Advanced Research labs.

Position Summary

Samsung Research America is looking for someone who has solid technical skills and rich academic and/or industry experience in areas of robotics and embodied intelligence. Our ideal candidate is to explore novel AI technologies towards generalizing robots to perform tasks in the real world. Samsung’s unique advantage in the consumer electronics market and growing focus on AI and robotics 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

• Conduct state‑of‑the‑art research to push boundaries of emerging fields of robotics and embodied intelligence, on topics such as robotics foundation models, vision‑language action (VLA) models, vision language models (VLMs), open‑world 3D perception, dexterous manipulation, and multimodal (vision, tactile, audio, semantic) data fusion
• Work with the team to design and implement research prototypes and technology demonstrators on robotic platforms
• Work within cross‑functional, cross‑divisional teams and assist in the design, analysis and performance evaluation from concept to completion
• Provide technical leadership and assist in shaping R&D priorities by following up‑to‑date scientific research and communicating key developments
• Generate patents and scientific research papers for top‑tier publication venues

Required Skills

• PhD degree in EECS/Robotics or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 2+ years’ industry experience in robotics foundation models, vision‑language‑action (VLA) models, and vision language models (VLMs)
• Solid understanding of computer vision techniques (e.g., object detection, segmentation, tracking) and real‑time video tokenizer design and multi‑view image processing
• Strong research experience with embodied intelligence (reinforcement learning, imitation learning, task planning, perception, simulation platforms such as Mujoco and Isaac Sim)
• Strong experience and solid background on foundation models (e.g., contrastive learning, AI agent, fine‑tuning, LoRA), generative AI, and diffusion models
• Knowledgeable of tools and processes to monitor model performance and data quality, including model tuning experience
• Familiarity with PyTorch, TensorFlow, C, C++, Java, ROS, and CUDA
• Strong understanding of robotics fundamentals, including locomotion, manipulation, sensor inputs, pose tracking, 3D mapping, SLAM, ROS, and policy architectures particularly for semi‑structured and unstructured environments
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent verbal communication and writing skills to effectively represent the derived results and technical concepts developed in the course of the work

Our total rewards programs are designed to motivate and engage exceptional talent. The base pay range for roles at this level is $158,800—$218,100 USD. Within the base pay range, individual rates depend on a number of factors—including the role’s function and location as well as the individual’s knowledge, skills, experience, education and training. This is part of our comprehensive compensation package with annual bonus eligibility and generous benefits to help you live life well.

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.

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.

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].

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