Staff Research Roboticist

We Love AI Jobs; Waltham, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Dynamics in Waltham, MA is seeking a Staff Research Roboticist to develop machine learning and reinforcement learning capabilities for the next generation of Spot's delivery tasks. You will design, implement, train, and deploy ML/RL algorithms that run on our robots in real-world outdoor environments.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in a related field, strong Python/C++ skills, and experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics
• Experience deploying state-of-the-art ML or RL techniques (for either perception or control) directly onto physical robotic hardware
• Proficiency with a modern ML framework (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX)
• Strong software engineering fundamentals in Python or C++ and robust testing practices

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, train, and deploy ML and RL algorithms for delivery challenges
• Develop and integrate software in Python or C++
• Evaluate algorithms in simulation and on Spot robots in outdoor environments

Skills

Machine learning

Reinforcement learning

Python

C++

PyTorch

TensorFlow

JAX

Robotics

Education

MS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

JAX

Job description

# Staff Research RoboticistBoston DynamicsWaltham, MAFull-time$180,000 – $240,000 / yearAI tools:PyTorchTensorFlowJAXUpload your resume once and Scout applies for youApply with ScoutShare this job:LinkedInXSave imageThis role develops machine-learning and reinforcement-learning capabilities for Spot’s next-generation last-mile delivery work. You’ll implement, train, and deploy algorithms, then evaluate them in simulation and on physical robots in outdoor environments.* Permanent* On-site* Master’s or PhD in a related field### Skills and expertiseMachine learningReinforcement learningPythonC++PyTorchTensorFlowJAXRobotics### Key responsibilities* Design, implement, train, and deploy ML and RL algorithms for delivery challenges.* Develop and integrate software in Python or C++.* Evaluate algorithms in simulation and on Spot robots in outdoor environments.## How this job comparesCompared with 94 open staff machine learning jobs on October 10, 2026.Pay: This job pays $180K to $240K a year. The 56 open staff machine learning jobs that publish US pay start at $219K on average, so this job starts about 18% lower.Similar open jobs: We Love AI Jobs lists 94 open staff machine learning jobs at 53 companies.Remote work: This job is on site. 16 of the 94 staff machine learning jobs (17%) are remote.AI in this role: High. AI is the core of the work: building, training or deploying AI systems. Developing, training, and deploying ML/RL algorithms is the core of the role. The posting also describes testing these systems in simulation and on physical robots.## Full descriptionAt Boston Dynamics, we are pushing the boundaries of what advanced robots can do in the real world. The Spot team is building next-generation last-mile delivery capabilities, and we are seeking a curious, driven team member to develop cutting-edge machine learning (ML) and reinforcement learning (RL) solutions that run directly on our robots.What You’ll Do• Design, implement, train, and deploy state-of-the-art ML/RL algorithms for complex last-mile delivery challenges• Develop and integrate software in Python and/or C++• Evaluate new algorithms in our simulation environments and directly on our fleet of real Spot robots in unstructured, outdoor environmentsWe’re Looking For• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, or a related field• Experience deploying state-of-the-art ML or RL techniques (for either perception or control) directly onto physical robotic hardware• Proficiency with a modern ML framework (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX)• Strong software engineering fundamentals in Python or C++. You know how to leverage modern AI coding tools to accelerate development while maintaining rigorous standards for testing and system architecture.The base pay range for this position is between $180,000 to $240,000 annually. Base pay will depend on multiple individualized factors including, but not limited to internal equity, job related knowledge, skills and experience. This range represents a good faith estimate of compensation at the time of posting. Boston Dynamics offers a generous Benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401(k), paid time off and a annual bonus structure. Additional details regarding these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer for employment.