Specialist - Robotics and Physical AI

McKinsey & Company; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 172,800 - 211,200; Full time

Job summary

McKinsey & Company is seeking a PhD/M.S. level scientist to join the Robotics and Physical AI team in Austin, TX, tackling complex engineering challenges with physical science, ML, and high‑performance computing.

You will lead technical workstreams, develop multi‑physics simulations, and translate computational insights into strategic client recommendations. You will collaborate across disciplines, deliver surrogate models, apply physics‑informed ML, and help build an industry‑leading

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in computational mechanics or closely related field.
• Proven ability to develop high‑quality engineering or scientific code in Python/C++.
• Fluency with statistical sampling, ML, and data science techniques; ML/AI/Data Science a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical workstreams on client engagements and build multi‑physics simulations.
• Develop surrogate models and physics‑informed ML for engineering systems.
• Deploy scalable production tools on HPC infrastructure and translate insights into recommendations.
• Collaborate within the Robotics and Physical AI team to advance a first‑of‑its‑kind capability.

Skills

Python

C++

Machine learning

Data science

Communication

Time management

Education

M.S. or Ph.D. in computational mechanics or related field

Experience in applied simulation or scientific ML

Tools

PyTorch

PowerPoint

Excel

C++

Job description

Locations

• Atlanta
• Austin
• Boston
• Charlotte
• Chicago
• Cleveland
• Columbus
• Connecticut - Darien
• Dallas
• Denver
• Detroit

Do you want to do work that matters, alongside supportive leaders who will help you grow faster than you ever thought possible? Are you a creative problem‑solver who is energized by challenges? You've come to the right place.

YOUR IMPACT

You will apply deep expertise in physical sciences, computational engineering, machine learning, and physics-based modeling to help leading industrial clients tackle their most complex engineering challenges.

You will lead technical workstreams on client engagements, building multi‑physics simulation frameworks and digital twins, developing surrogate and machine learning models, applying physics‑informed machine learning to real‑world engineering systems, deploying scalable production tools on HPC infrastructure, and translating computational insights into strategic recommendations and solutions that deliver measurable impact for clients.

You will be part of the Robotics and Physical AI team within our Advanced Industries Sector. This team is building a first‑of‑its‑kind physics AI capability.

YOUR GROWTH

Driving lasting impact and building long‑term capabilities with our clients is not easy work. You are the kind of person who thrives in a high performance/high reward culture - doing hard things, picking yourself up when you stumble, and having the resilience to try another way forward.

In return for your drive, determination, and curiosity, we'll provide the resources, mentorship, and opportunities you need to become a stronger leader faster than you ever thought possible. Your colleagues-at all levels-will invest deeply in your development, just as much as they invest in delivering exceptional results for clients. Every day, you'll receive apprenticeship, coaching, and exposure that will accelerate your growth in ways you won't find anywhere else.

When you join us, you will have:

• Continuous learning: Our learning and apprenticeship culture, backed by structured programs, is all about helping you grow while creating an environment where feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on your development. The real magic happens when you take the input from others to heart and embrace the fast‑paced learning experience, owning your journey.
• A voice that matters: From day one, we value your ideas and contributions. You'll make a tangible impact by offering innovative ideas and practical solutions, all while upholding our unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. We not only encourage diverse perspectives, but they are critical in driving us toward the best possible outcomes.
• Global community: With colleagues across 65+ countries and over 100 different nationalities, our firm's diversity fuels creativity and helps us come up with the best solutions for our clients. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to learn from exceptional colleagues with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• World‑class benefits: On top of a competitive salary (based on your location, experience, and skills), we provide a comprehensive benefits package to enable holistic well‑being for you and your family.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Advanced graduate degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in computational mechanics, materials science, mechanical/aerospace/nuclear engineering, computational physics, or a closely related engineering or physical science field required; significant industry or national laboratory experience in applied simulation or scientific machine learning may apply
• Demonstrated ability to develop high‑quality engineering or scientific code (e.g., in Python, C++)
• Demonstrated fluency with statistical sampling, machine learning, and data science techniques
• Simulation experience, Pytorch, ML/AI/Data Science a plus
• Excellent organizational capabilities, including the ability to initiate tasks independently and see them through to completion
• Proficient in rational decision making based on data, facts, and logical reasoning
• Ability to create work product‑focused materials / outputs, which may include PowerPoint decks, Excel models, articles, or other written deliverables
• Exceptional time management to meet your responsibilities in a complex and largely autonomous work environment
• Ability to work or attend meetings outside of traditional business hours or take on projects with limited or no notice at times
• Ability to travel to and work in varying environments that may be challenging and/or not accessible (e.g., manufacturing facilities, etc.)
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, in English and local office language(s), with the ability to adjust your style to suit different perspectives and seniority levels

Please review the additional requirements regarding essential job functions of McKinsey colleagues.

Our unwavering commitment to integrity drives everything we do, guiding us to always act in the best interests of our clients, our people, and the communities we serve.

FOR U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Certain US jurisdictions require McKinsey & Company to include a reasonable estimate of the salary for this role. To help you understand what you can expect, the salary range for new joiners in this role in United States, including all office locations where the job may be performed, is $192,000 - $192,000 USD gross per year. This reflects our best estimate of the lowest to highest salary for this role at the time of this posting, ensuring you have a clear picture right from the start, though it's important to remember that actual salaries may vary. Factors like your office location, your unique blend of experience and skills, start date and our current organizational needs all play a part in determining the final figure. Certain roles are also eligible for bonuses, subject to McKinsey's discretion and based on factors such as individual and/or organizational performance.

Additionally, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to the wellness of our colleagues and their families. This includes medical, mental health, dental and vision coverage, telemedicine services, life, accident and disability insurance, parental leave and family planning benefits, caregiving resources, a generous retirement contributions program, financial guidance, and paid time off.

FOR NON‑U.S. APPLICANTS: McKinsey & Company is an Equal Opportunity employer. For additional details regarding our global EEO policy and diversity initiatives, please visit our McKinsey Careers and Diversity & Inclusion sites.