Research Engineer - Machine Learning for Robot Planning

Overview
Arm is extending its "Arm everywhere" vision into robotics and embodied AI-where intelligence must operate under real-world constraints of latency, power, and safety. We are building a new robotics research lab in Austin focused on the science of integration-understanding how different paradigms (learning, control, planning) work together in real robotic systems, and how they map onto heterogeneous compute.
This role focuses on how robot capabilities are realized through machine learning, and how those capabilities behave when deployed in full systems. You will develop and evaluate ML-based approaches-including VLA/VLM models, RL, and learning-based planning-and study their interaction with other components in hierarchical robotic systems. The goal is not just better models, but deployable intelligence under real-world constraints.
Responsibilities

• Develop ML methods for perception, planning, and control in robotics
• Work with VLM/VLA models and embodied AI systems
• Benchmark learning-based approaches against classical and hybrid methods
• Integrate ML components into hierarchical, multi-layer robotic systems
• Contribute to system-level prototypes and demonstrations
• Translate ML insights into system and compute requirements

Required Skills and Experience

• PhD or equivalent experience in ML, Robotics, or related field
• Strong experience in RL, imitation learning, or embodied AI
• Proficiency in Python and ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, JAX)
• Experience with robotic systems or simulation environments
• Publications in top-tier venues

"Nice To Have" Skills and Experience

• Experience with task/motion planning
• Familiarity with foundation models for robotics
• Experience with sim-to-real transfer

In Return
You will help define how learning-based intelligence is realized and deployed in real robotic systems-shaping both Arm's research direction and the architectures that will power robots at global scale.
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Salary Range:
$161,500-$218,500 per year
We value people as individuals and our dedication is to reward people competitively and equitably for the work they do and the skills and experience they bring to Arm. Salary is only one component of Arm's offering. The total reward package will be shared with candidates during the recruitment and selection process.
Accommodations at Arm
At Arm, we want to build extraordinary teams. If you need an adjustment or an accommodation during the recruitment process, please email [email protected] . To note, by sending us the requested information, you consent to its use by Arm to arrange for appropriate accommodations. All accommodation or adjustment requests will be treated with confidentiality, and information concerning these requests will only be disclosed as necessary to provide the accommodation. Although this is not an exhaustive list, examples of support include breaks between interviews, having documents read aloud, or office accessibility. Please email us about anything we can do to accommodate you during the recruitment process.
Hybrid Working at Arm
Arm's approach to hybrid working is designed to create a working environment that supports both high performance and personal wellbeing. We believe in bringing people together face to face to enable us to work at pace, whilst recognizing the value of flexibility. Within that framework, we empower groups/teams to determine their own hybrid working patterns, depending on the work and the team's needs. Details of what this means for each role will be shared upon application. In some cases, the flexibility we can offer is limited by local legal, regulatory, tax, or other considerations, and where this is the case, we will collaborate with you to find the best solution. Please talk to us to find out more about what this could look like for you.
Equal Opportunities at Arm
Arm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and colleagues. We are a diverse organization of dedicated and innovative individuals, and don't discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.