Robotics Engineer - Vision Language Action Model

PhD Research Internship – Robotics Engineer (VLM / VLA Models)

Sensmore

sensmore automates the world's largest machines with unprecedented intelligence. Our proprietary Physical AI enables heavy machines such as wheel loaders to instantly adapt to dynamic environments and execute new tasks without prior training. We integrate cutting-edge robotics into a platform powering intelligence and automation products - transforming productivity and safety for customers in mining, construction, and adjacent industries today. Join us and play a pivotal role in transforming the automation landscape in heavy industries. ROLE OVERVIEW We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team as a Research Intern specializing in General Purpose AI, with a focus on Vision-Language Models and Vision-Language-Action systems. This role sits at the frontier of industrial robotics: developing scalable, general-purpose VLA systems that enable robots to perceive, reason, and act autonomously in complex heavy-industry environments. You will contribute to bridging multi-modal perception (e.g., video, radar, lidar) with robust real-world execution, while advancing state-of-the-art methods in embodied AI. Beyond engineering, this position has a strong research component, with opportunities to contribute to novel methods, publish findings, and shape the future of industrial autonomy. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Depending on your expertise and project priorities, you will: Research & Method Development * Design and develop novel approaches for Vision-Language-Action systems in real-world industrial settings * Explore scalable architectures for multi-modal reasoning and action generation * Contribute to advancing state-of-the-art methods in embodied AI and robotic autonomy Multi-Modal Learning & Data Systems * Lead the design and analysis of large-scale multi-modal datasets (video, radar, lidar, sensor fusion) * Develop self-supervised or weakly supervised dataset generation pipelines for VLA training * Investigate data-centric approaches to improve robustness and generalization Model Development & Optimization * Build, adapt, and extend cutting-edge GenAI models (e.g., VLMs, VLA frameworks) * Apply advanced fine-tuning strategies (e.g., parameter-efficient tuning, alignment methods) * Explore prompt optimization, reasoning augmentation, and action grounding techniques Training, Evaluation & Benchmarking * Design rigorous evaluation protocols for embodied AI systems in industrial contexts * Run large-scale experiments, analyze performance, and iterate systematically * Benchmark models against state-of-the-art approaches and internal baselines Deployment & Systems Integration * Collaborate with engineering teams to transition research prototypes into production-ready systems * Optimize models for real-time inference, robustness, and safety in heavy-industry environments Scientific Contribution * Document findings and contribute to research publications, technical reports, or patents * Present results internally and potentially at leading conferences REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS * Current enrollment in a PhD program in Robotics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, or a related field * Strong programming skills in Python and deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch) * Solid understanding of machine learning, deep learning, and multi-modal models * Proven ability to conduct independent research and drive projects from idea to results * Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE * Experience with Vision-Language Models, embodied AI, or robotics learning systems * Familiarity with modern GenAI tooling (e.g., Hugging Face ecosystem, Gemini, Unsloth, or similar) * Experience with multi-modal data (vision + sensor fusion) * Background in robotics, control systems, or real-world deployment * Track record of research output (publications, preprints, or significant research projects) * Experience with large-scale training, distributed systems, or model optimization RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT & OUTLOOK * Opportunity to work on high-impact, real-world robotics problems at the intersection of AI and industrial automation * Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team spanning AI research and robotics engineering * Potential to publish and contribute to the scientific community * Opportunity to shape long-term research directions and transition work into real-world deployment WHAT WE OFFER: * Build physical AI for the world's largest off-highway machinery – making them intelligent, safe, and ready for every tough task * Join the pioneer in intelligent robotics backed by Point Nine & other Tier 1 investors * Combine cutting-edge robotics research in end-to-end learning & Vision Language Action Model with real-world heavy mobile equipment * Tailor your own career path, whether you like to become technical specialist or technical team lead * Experience a great team culture, beverages, and an amazing office environment BENEFITS: * Attractive compensation package and stock options. * Beverages on-site and regular social events. * Engage with top-tier researchers, engineers, and thought leaders. * Influence the future of robotic technologies and tackle significant technological challenges. * Assistance with relocation to Berlin. ABOUT US: Heavy machinery, light years ahead. sensmore automates the world's largest machines with unprecedented intelligence. Our proprietary Physical AI enables heavy machines such as wheel loaders to instantly adapt to dynamic environments and execute new tasks without prior training. We integrate cutting-edge robotics into a platform powering intelligence and automation products - transforming productivity and safety for customers in mining, construction, and adjacent industries today. We are proudly backed by Point Nine and other Tier 1 investors.

Graduate Hardware Engineer - Formula Student

Sensmore

sensmore automates the world's largest machines with unprecedented intelligence. Our proprietary Physical AI enables heavy machines such as wheel loaders to instantly adapt to dynamic environments and execute new tasks without prior training. We integrate cutting-edge robotics into a platform powering intelligence and automation products - transforming productivity and safety for customers in mining, construction, and adjacent industries today. Join us and play a pivotal role in transforming the automation landscape in heavy industries. ROLE OVERVIEW We are looking for graduate Robotics Hardware Engineers from Formula Student to join our team. If you designed your team's wire harness, mounted and calibrated the sensor suite on your driverless car, debugged CAN at 2am before scrutineering, or CADed brackets that had to survive an endurance run; this is the same job, on much bigger machines. We build autonomous systems for mining, quarrying, and construction sites: the harshest production environments there are. You'll design, integrate, and field-test the electrical-mechanical systems that make real heavy machinery autonomous: sensors, compute, power, and everything that connects them. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Integrate robotic sensors (LiDAR, radar, cameras, IMUs) onto real machines: mounting, wiring, calibration, and reliable data acquisition. * Design the mechanical integration of sensors and compute for machines that live in dust, mud, and constant vibration; think endurance event, every day, for years. * Own wire harness and connector design using rugged industrial/automotive components. * Develop and validate the hardware layer that connects actuators, sensors, and control units. * Work with the software team so hardware and autonomy stack are designed as one system. * Troubleshoot in the field: EMI, power management, and signal integrity issues on live machines. The trackside debugging you know, at production scale. * Take designs from concept through prototyping and testing to manufacturable, scalable hardware. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR * Formula Student experience in electronics, LV/HV systems, harness design, sensor integration, or vehicle assembly; module owners and technical leads especially welcome. Driverless team experience is a big plus. * Bachelor's or Master's degree (completed or nearing completion) in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics, or a related field. * Proficiency in CAD tools for mechanical or electrical design; prototyping experience including 3D printing. * Working knowledge of embedded systems, microcontrollers, and protocols like CAN, I2C, or SPI - CAN especially, you'll use it daily. * Hands-on experience with connectors, wiring, and making electronics survive vibration and weather. * The FS mindset: comfortable moving between CAD, soldering iron, and whiteboard in the same afternoon. NICE TO HAVE * Python, C++, or embedded firmware development. * Practical understanding of actuators, motors, and closed-loop control. * Exposure to manufacturing: assembly, testing, quality assurance. * Familiarity with autonomy systems or industrial robotic platforms. WHY THIS IS THE NATURAL NEXT STEP AFTER FORMULA STUDENT * Same engineering problems, higher stakes: your harness, mounts, and integration work goes onto machines running in real production sites. * Full ownership from concept to field deployment; no handing your design to another department. * Small team, fast iteration, hands-on culture: the FS pace, but you get paid for it. * Swiss-army-knife role by design - hands-on tasks to high-level architecture, just like running a module on your team. WHAT WE OFFER: * Build physical AI for the world's largest off-highway machinery – making them intelligent, safe, and ready for every tough task * Join the pioneer in intelligent robotics backed by Point Nine & other Tier 1 investors * Combine cutting-edge robotics research in end-to-end learning & Vision Language Action Model with real-world heavy mobile equipment * Tailor your own career path, whether you like to become technical specialist or technical team lead * Experience a great team culture, beverages, and an amazing office environment BENEFITS: * Attractive compensation package and stock options. * Beverages on-site and regular social events. * Engage with top-tier researchers, engineers, and thought leaders. * Influence the future of robotic technologies and tackle significant technological challenges. * Assistance with relocation to Berlin. ABOUT US: Heavy machinery, light years ahead. sensmore automates the world's largest machines with unprecedented intelligence. Our proprietary Physical AI enables heavy machines such as wheel loaders to instantly adapt to dynamic environments and execute new tasks without prior training. We integrate cutting-edge robotics into a platform powering intelligence and automation products - transforming productivity and safety for customers in mining, construction, and adjacent industries today. We are proudly backed by Point Nine and other Tier 1 investors.

Robotics Engineer - AI

Sensmore

sensmore automates the world's largest machines with unprecedented intelligence. Our proprietary Physical AI enables heavy machines such as wheel loaders to instantly adapt to dynamic environments and execute new tasks without prior training. We integrate cutting-edge robotics into a platform powering intelligence and automation products - transforming productivity and safety for customers in mining, construction, and adjacent industries today. Join us and play a pivotal role in transforming the automation landscape in heavy industries. Role Overview: We are looking for a skilled Robotics AI Engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in Vision Language Models (VLM) and artificial intelligence systems for robotics. This role focuses on integrating vision, language understanding, and action generation to develop AI systems that enhance robotic interaction, perception, navigation, and autonomy in complex real-world environments. Key Responsibilities: * Design and implement AI systems that can combine vision and language to improve the autonomy of robotic platforms * Optimize and refine AI systems that leverage radar and other sensory technologies for end-to-end learning * Test and validate models under real-world conditions to ensure reliability and effectiveness * Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of software engineers and roboticists to integrate these systems into larger automation solutions * Manage the full cycle of development, from initial research through deployment and ongoing optimization Required Qualifications: * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, AI, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field * Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with C++ * Proven expertise in machine learning and robotic control systems * Experience with frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow * Demonstrated experience deploying AI systems in real-world robotic applications * Ability to tackle complex, interdisciplinary technology challenges Preferred Skills: * Practical experience implementing Vision-Language Action Models in robotic systems * Familiarity with sensor fusion techniques and real-time system integration * Experience with robotics simulation and testing frameworks * Knowledge of outdoor SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) techniques * Experience with radar data processing or similar sensory inputs * Track record of maintaining and supporting deployed robotic AI systems in production environments * Publication or contribution to relevant AI or robotics conferences or journals WHAT WE OFFER: * Build physical AI for the world's largest off-highway machinery – making them intelligent, safe, and ready for every tough task * Join the pioneer in intelligent robotics backed by Point Nine & other Tier 1 investors * Combine cutting-edge robotics research in end-to-end learning & Vision Language Action Model with real-world heavy mobile equipment * Tailor your own career path, whether you like to become technical specialist or technical team lead * Experience a great team culture, beverages, and an amazing office environment BENEFITS: * Attractive compensation package and stock options. * Beverages on-site and regular social events. * Engage with top-tier researchers, engineers, and thought leaders. * Influence the future of robotic technologies and tackle significant technological challenges. * Assistance with relocation to Berlin. ABOUT US: Heavy machinery, light years ahead. sensmore automates the world's largest machines with unprecedented intelligence. Our proprietary Physical AI enables heavy machines such as wheel loaders to instantly adapt to dynamic environments and execute new tasks without prior training. We integrate cutting-edge robotics into a platform powering intelligence and automation products - transforming productivity and safety for customers in mining, construction, and adjacent industries today. We are proudly backed by Point Nine and other Tier 1 investors.