Senior Machine Learning Researcher

Empathy Talent is partnering with a fast-growing, well-funded startup in the computer vision and robotics sector. The company is developing technology that enables machines to understand their surroundings in 3D and in real time.Its platform processes video from automotive-grade cameras and passive sensors, including IMUs, to generate dense, semantic 3D representations that vehicles and robots can use to navigate complex environments. This provides a fully redundant alternative to LiDAR and radar.The technology is being deployed across automotive, agriculture, healthcare, and defense applications. The company is backed by leading investors.The OpportunityThis is not a traditional machine learning role. The team is looking for an active researcher and publisher in computer vision, specifically someone working in 3D perception involving dynamic environments and moving objects—not simply 2D object detection.The ideal candidate thrives on experimentation, stays closely connected to current research, and understands when to adopt, adapt, or challenge emerging architectures. You should be equally comfortable reading a new paper, developing a hypothesis, running experiments, and turning promising academic ideas into practical prototypes.You’ll work on complex computer vision and robotics problems where training resources may be extensive, but real-world inference environments introduce demanding constraints around speed, reliability, and compute. This is a highly hands-on research role with the opportunity to help shape the next generation of machine learning systems.ResponsibilitiesDesign and conduct experiments to evaluate and improve deep-learning architectures and training methodologies.Research, implement, and adapt algorithms from recent machine learning and computer vision papers.Develop novel approaches across 3D perception, visual localization, geometric computer vision, and scene understanding.Build upon unpublished research and state-of-the-art methods in geometric computer vision.Independently manage experiments from dataset preparation through training, evaluation, and analysis.Collaborate closely with engineers to translate research findings into robust, deployable models.Explore new technical approaches and document findings that can guide future production development.Stay current with advances across machine learning, deep learning, robotics, and AI.Participate in project planning, technical reviews, and retrospectives.Provide technical guidance and mentorship when appropriate.Publish original research.What You’ll BringAn M.S. or Ph.D. in machine learning, computer science, robotics, or a related field—or equivalent experience demonstrating deep fluency in modern machine learning.Active or recent publication work in computer vision, particularly involving 3D perception, dynamic scenes, moving objects, localization, or scene reconstruction.A demonstrated ability to read, interpret, implement, and extend research papers.Experience independently designing and managing machine learning experiments.Strong knowledge of dataset preparation, model training, evaluation, and experimental analysis.Familiarity with version-controlled experimentation and MLOps tools.Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to translate research findings into practical, high-impact solutions.Clear written and verbal communication skills across both research and engineering audiences.Nice to HavePublications at leading computer vision, machine learning, robotics, or AI conferences.Active engagement with the research community, including familiarity with current conferences, emerging methods, and open-source releases.Deep experience with geometric computer vision, 3D perception, visual localization, scene reconstruction, or dynamic-scene understanding.Experience developing models for real-time or resource-constrained inference environments.Experience moving research concepts into production or field-deployed systems.Compensation and BenefitsBase salary of $175,000–$300,000, depending on experience.Meaningful incentive stock options.Medical, dental, and vision insurance.Annual home-office stipend.Employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.401(k) with employer matching after six months.Flexible PTO.Eight company holidays and a two-week winter break.Paid family leave.Location and LogisticsThis is a full-time, 100% remote position within the United States. The team gathers quarterly in San Francisco for onsite collaboration.Important Note About the WorkThe company’s technology supports commercial and defense applications, including work involving the U.S. Department of Defense. This is dual-use technology that may be used for both defensive and offensive purposes. Candidates should understand and be comfortable with that aspect of the company’s work before moving forward.