Founding Research Engineer

Description:

Join Mbodi AI (YC X25), an AI robotics startup founded by two former Googlers committed to pushing the boundaries of intelligent robots. Mbodi is an embodied AI platform that makes robots learn like humans, with natural language. So anyone can teach robots new skills by talking to them and execute the learned skills reliably in production, in minutes. We are pioneering the next wave of robotics, where advanced generative models meet real-world applications. Backed by top investors and already working with global industrial partners (e.g., ABB), we’re redefining what’s possible in robotics and automation.

We’re looking for a Founding Research / ML Engineer to join our core founding team. You’ll be responsible for developing and deploying cutting-edge ML models and agentic AI systems that power robot learning and behavior. As a founding team member, you’ll play a critical role in shaping our technology, culture, and mission from the ground up.

What you’ll do:

• Conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection of generative AI and robotics, focusing on transformers, diffusion models, and advanced ML architectures
• Design and implement algorithms that apply AI to complex, real-world robotics tasks
• Build robust, scalable systems that connect foundational models to physical-world execution, turning theory into impact
• Collaborate across disciplines to advance agent orchestration and intelligent system integration
• Drive technical direction, architecture decisions, and research strategy from day one

What we’re looking for:

• A track record of impactful research in AI, robotics, or machine learning, with strong system-building and implementation skills
• Deep knowledge of transformers, diffusion models, and cutting-edge techniques in AI
• Experience with ML models, data pipelines, and complex system architectures in real-world applications
• Adaptable, execution-focused, and thrives in the pace and ambiguity of startup life