[Remote] Staff, ML Engineer - Learned Behaviors at Torc Robotics

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Torc Robotics Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Autonomous Vehicles, Robotics, TransportationIndustries

Requirements

  • 10+ years of professional experience (or equivalent) in applied machine learning in autonomous vehicles, robotics, simulation or a related domain
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
  • Proven track record of designing and shipping learned behavior or policy models (e.g., behavior cloning, imitation learning, RL, multi-agent models) in production or near-production systems
  • Strong programming skills in the AI domain (Python, Pytorch (Lightning), pandas)
  • Experience with open-source distributed computing framework, specifically Ray
  • Deep understanding of ML architectures (e.g., RNNs, transformers, graph neural networks, behavior prediction networks) and system-level integration into autonomy stacks
  • Experience with large-scale data pipelines, model training infrastructure, versioning, and deployment (cloud and/or embedded)

Responsibilities

  • Lead architecture, development, and validation of learned behavior models (e.g., driver mimicry, multi-agent interaction, behavior cloning, reinforcement learning) for highway and freight-truck autonomy
  • Define and implement data strategies: collect, label, and curate large behavior datasets (in-vehicle, simulation, fleet logs) for training and evaluation
  • Develop scalable model training pipelines, infrastructure, and tooling to iterate quickly on behavior models, from prototype to production deployment
  • Design and track performance metrics, analyze model behavior, diagnose failure modes, and drive continuous improvement of learned behaviors in simulation and on-vehicle
  • Work with simulation, scenario, and validation teams to embed learned behavior models into verification and validation frameworks, ensuring coverage across operational design domains (ODDs)
  • Mentor and lead mid and senior-level ML engineers, set technical direction, and drive best practices in learned behavior engineering across the team

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Reinforcement LearningBehavior CloningDriver MimicryMulti-Agent InteractionMachine LearningModel Training PipelinesData CurationSimulationAutonomous VehiclesPerformance MetricsModel ValidationPythonPyTorch

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience level is required for this Staff ML Engineer role?

The role requires 10+ years of professional experience in applied machine learning in autonomous vehicles, robotics, simulation, or a related domain.

What technical skills are essential for this position?

Candidates need strong programming skills in Python, PyTorch (Lightning), and pandas, experience with Ray for distributed computing, and deep understanding of ML architectures like RNNs, along with proven track record in learned behavior models such as behavior cloning, imitation learning, and RL.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this position remote or does it require office presence?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What education is required for this ML Engineer position?

An M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience) is required.

What does the team structure look like for this role?

You will collaborate across perception, prediction, planning, and safety teams, mentor and lead mid and senior-level ML engineers, and set technical direction for the learned behavior engineering team.

What makes a strong candidate for this Staff Learned Behaviors ML Engineer role?

A strong candidate has 10+ years in applied ML for AV/robotics, proven production experience with RL/imitation learning models, expertise in Python/PyTorch/Ray, and an advanced degree in a relevant field.

Torc Robotics

Develops autonomous driving technology for trucks

About Torc Robotics

Torc Robotics develops software systems for self-driving trucks, focusing on Level 4 autonomous driving technology that allows trucks to operate without human intervention in specific conditions. Their technology enhances road safety and meets the logistics industry's growing demands. Torc Robotics partners with major truck manufacturers, like Daimler Trucks, and collaborates with companies such as Luminar Technologies to integrate advanced sensors into their systems. They generate revenue by selling their software to fleet operators and truck manufacturers, while also providing ongoing support and updates. The company's goal is to improve efficiency and safety in freight transportation through their autonomous solutions.

Blacksburg, VirginiaHeadquarters
2005Year Founded
M_AND_ACompany Stage
Robotics & Automation, Automotive & TransportationIndustries
501-1,000Employees

Benefits

A competitive compensation package that includes a bonus component and stock options
100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees
401K plan with a 6% employer match
Flexibility in schedule and generous paid vacation (available immediately after start date)
Company-wide holiday office closures
AD+D and Life Insurance

Risks

Increased competition from companies like Waymo and Aurora could impact market share.
Expansion into new markets involves significant operational costs and regulatory risks.
The strategic partnership with Daimler may limit alliances with other truck manufacturers.

Differentiation

Torc Robotics specializes in self-driving truck technology, focusing on Level 4 autonomy.
The company has a strategic partnership with Daimler Trucks for autonomous vehicle development.
Torc's modular products enable rapid integration of robotic systems for various applications.

Upsides

Torc is expanding operations to Texas and Michigan, enhancing market presence.
The company won the 2024 Top Software & Tech Award in the Robotics category.
Torc's focus on autonomous Class 8 trucks addresses aging workforce and rising demand.

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