Specialist - Robotics and Physical AI

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

Benefits offered by this job

World-class benefits

Continuous learning and development opportunities

Job summary

McKinsey & Company is looking for an expert in computational engineering to join our Robotics and Physical AI team in Columbus, Ohio. This role involves applying deep expertise in physical sciences and machine learning to tackle complex engineering challenges for our clients.

The successful candidate will lead technical workstreams, building innovative frameworks and models while ensuring strategic outcomes. We offer an environment that fosters continuous learning and growth, with mentorship opportunities to accelerate your leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. in a relevant field with industry experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency in machine learning techniques.
• Exceptional time management and independent task initiation.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical workstreams on client engagements.
• Build multi-physics simulation frameworks and digital twins.
• Translate computational insights into strategic recommendations.

Skills

Develop high-quality engineering or scientific code

Fluency with statistical sampling

Simulation experience in Pytorch

Excellent organizational capabilities

Strong communication skills

Education

Advanced graduate degree in computational mechanics

Tools

Python

C++

Job description

Location

• 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?

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

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.

Salary range for U.S. applicants: $192,000 - $192,000 USD gross per year (based on location, experience, and skills). Actual salaries may vary. Certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, subject to company discretion and performance.

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.