---
title: 'Research Scientist - Reinforcement Learning, Robotics at Applied Intuition'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/research-scientist-reinforcement-learning-robotics-applied-intuition-sunnyvale-b2a28ar364n8'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-06'
---

# Research Scientist - Reinforcement Learning, Robotics at Applied Intuition

- **Company:** [Applied Intuition](https://feeny.ai/companies/applied-intuition)
- **Location:** Sunnyvale, CA
- **Compensation:** $126k–$423k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2024-09-17
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-06
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/applied/52a070cf-4e1b-4fcc-bf73-727da8fb6d46/application

**Skills:** Python, Pytorch, Computer vision, Robotics systems, Distributed machine learning model training, VLA post-training for autonomy or robotics, Large-scale closed-loop RL in robotic simulation, Large-scale RL training infrastructure

> Join the AI Research team to conduct cutting-edge research on reinforcement learning and VLA post-training for robotics and autonomous systems. The role involves publishing in top-tier conferences and collaborating with engineering teams to deploy algorithms into real-world autonomy products.

## Job description

Applied Intuition, Inc. is powering the future of physical AI. Founded in 2017 and now valued at $15 billion, the Silicon Valley company is creating the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to every moving machine on the planet. Applied Intuition services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining and agriculture industries in three core areas: tools and infrastructure, operating systems, and autonomy. Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers, as well as the United States military and its allies, trust the company’s solutions to deliver physical intelligence. Applied Intuition is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with offices in Washington, D.C.; San Diego; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Ann Arbor, Michigan; London; Stuttgart; Munich; Stockholm; Bangalore; Seoul; and Tokyo. Learn more at applied.co http://applied.co.

We are an in-office company, and our expectation is that full-time employees primarily work from their Applied Intuition office 5 days a week. However, we also recognize the importance of flexibility and trust our employees to manage their schedules responsibly. This may include occasional remote work, starting the day with morning meetings from home before heading to the office, or leaving earlier when needed to accommodate family commitments. This in-office expectation does not apply to contractor positions

## ABOUT THE ROLE AND TEAM

We are looking for multiple passionate Research Scientists to join the Research Group at Applied Intuition. The mission of the group is to create cutting-edge technology enabling next-generation physical AI, with emphasis on the two most challenging applications reshaping our everyday life: end-to-end autonomous driving and robotic generalist. We have a group composed of leading experts from top institutions and companies, recognized for their exceptional academic and industry contributions—including eight Best Paper awards at premier conferences and journals such as CVPR and ICRA. Learn more at appliedintuition.com/research http://appliedintuition.com/research.

Supported by industry-leading tools and infra, researchers can access millions of miles of data from large fleets, and deploy methods they develop into various autonomous and robotic systems including self-driving cars/trucks, autonomous mining/construction machines, humanoid robots and dexterous hands. In addition to your research contributions, you will contribute to and learn from best practices in the autonomy and robotics industries within our fast-paced and customer-focused culture. Improvements deployed to our system immediately help our customers with their programs and deliver value to our business.

We are open to all years of experience as long as the necessary requirements are met, including those with potential Tech Lead and Manager capacity.

## AT APPLIED INTUITION, YOU WILL:

- Conduct research on reinforcement learning (RL) related topics including large-scale closed-loop RL and VLA post-training with applications to robotics with emphasis on dexterous manipulation
- Diving into fundamental and relevant topics on RL with broader applications
- Work closely with other Research Scientists and interns on research publications for submission to top-tier conferences
- Collaborate with Research Engineers and engineering teams to test and deploy algorithms to our autonomy and robotics products

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS:

- Strong research record in the fields of RL and VLA post-training for robotics and autonomous systems, with publications in top-tier conferences or journals in the fields of computer vision, machine learning, and robotics
- MSc or PhD in machine learning and computer vision with autonomy and robotics applications or closely-related fields
- Passion for next-generation, scalable autonomy and robotics for real-world systems
- Strong research skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively on projects
- Technical experience in: Python, Pytorch, computer vision, robotics systems, and distributed machine learning model training

## NICE TO HAVE:

Hands-on experience in at least one of the following fields:

- VLA post-training for autonomy or robotics
- Large-scale closed-loop RL in robotic simulation
- Large-scale RL training infrastructure

Compensation at Applied Intuition for eligible roles includes base salary, equity, and benefits. Base salary is a single component of the total compensation package, which may also include equity in the form of options and/or restricted stock units, comprehensive health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance coverage, 401k retirement benefits with employer match, learning and wellness stipends, and paid time off. Note that benefits are subject to change and may vary based on jurisdiction of employment.

Applied Intuition pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum intended target base salary for new hire salaries for the position. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, interview performance, and the level and scope of the position.

Don’t meet every single requirement? If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Applied Intuition is an equal opportunity employer and federal contractor or subcontractor. Consequently, the parties agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and that these laws are incorporated herein by reference. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. These regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The parties also agree that, as applicable, they will abide by the requirements of Executive Order 13496 (29 CFR Part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A), relating to the notice of employee rights under federal labor laws.

FOR US-BASED ROLES: Applied Intuition is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive application and interview experience to applicants who are disabled veterans and other applicants with disabilities or medical conditions. Reasonable accommodations are available, requesting an accommodation will not affect your candidacy in any way, and you are not required to disclose the nature of your disability or medical condition in order to make a request. If you require an accommodation please contact careers@applied.co. We will work with you!

## About Applied Intuition

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Applied Intuition builds software and digital infrastructure to bring physical AI — autonomous driving and robotics — to every moving machine on the planet.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series C; $1.5B total funding raised)
- **Headquarters**: Sunnyvale, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2017
- **Founders**: Qasar Younis (CEO) and Peter Ludwig (CTO)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Autonomous driving, robotics, defense technology, simulation and validation software for ADAS/AD systems.
- **Target customers**: B2B — automotive OEMs (18 of top 20 global automakers), trucking, construction, mining, agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Defense and its allies.
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “To build physical AI that creates a safer, more prosperous world.”

## Products & Services
- **Tools for Vehicle Intelligence**: Simulation, validation, and data management platforms for ADAS and autonomous vehicle development. SaaS and software tools for engineers building intelligent machines.
- **Vehicle OS**: An operating system for vehicles that manages over-the-air updates, data pipelines, and in-vehicle software, enabling automakers to deploy and maintain software-defined vehicles at scale.
- **Self-Driving Systems / Autonomy Stack**: End-to-end autonomous driving solutions, including perception, planning, and control, designed for cars, trucks, and off-road machinery.
- **NextGen OS & Infrastructure**: Platforms for defense, robotics, and next-generation physical AI applications, including solutions used by the U.S. military.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: ~$15 billion (as of 2024/2025, per LinkedIn profile)
- **Key Metric**: Total funding of $1.5 billion; 1,153 employees (+55% YoY); 396 active job postings
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst, Floodgate, NVIDIA, Databricks; partners include 18 of top 20 global automakers and U.S. defense agencies.
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - Acquired EpiSci (Feb 2025), Caliber Data Labs, and entities in Germany/UK.
  - Headcount grew 55% YoY; 1,000+ engineers.
  - Office expansion to 12 countries (US, UK, Germany, Sweden, South Korea, Japan, India, etc.).
  - Active hiring — job postings up 117.6% YoY.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Deep domain expertise**: Founded by YC alum/former GM engineer (Qasar Younis) and ex-Google Maps/Android Automotive engineer (Peter Ludwig).
- **Talent density**: 1,000+ engineers, 40+ ex-CTOs, and 30+ former founders on staff — a unique concentration of senior, founder-level talent.
- **Breadth of industry coverage**: Serves automotive, defense, trucking, mining, agriculture, and construction — rare diversification in physical AI.
- **Trusted by government and top OEMs**: U.S. military and 18 of top 20 global automakers rely on their stack, creating high switching costs and deep moats.
- **End-to-end platform**: Covers simulation, validation, OS, and full autonomy stack — not just a point solution.

## Strategic Focus
- **Expansion into defense**: Heavy investment in defense AI, including acquisitions and dedicated government offices in Washington D.C., San Diego, and Ft. Walton Beach.
- **Scaling physical AI beyond automotive**: Driving autonomy into mining, agriculture, construction, drones, and satellites.
- **Growing global footprint**: Opening offices in Europe and Asia to serve local OEM and defense clients.
- **Deepening the research lab**: Building a world-class AI research team focused on real-world intelligence.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: “1,000 engineers, 40 ex-CTOs, and 30 former founders” — a high-agency, high-trust environment where engineers take ownership of hard problems from day one.
- **Impact**: Work on technology that goes from sports cars to fighter jets to mining trucks — real-world physical AI that saves lives and reshapes industries.
- **Benefits**:
  - 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  - 50% 401(k) matching
  - Up to 12 weeks fully paid parental leave
  - Learning stipend for education and training
  - Fitness and wellness stipend
  - 25 free Lyra coaching/therapy sessions per year
  - Catered lunches and expensed dinners, snacks, and drinks at offices
  - Alumni network for long-term professional connections
- **Work model**: Office-first culture with global hubs (12 offices across US, Europe, and Asia). Not fully remote — roles are generally tied to a specific office location.

## Sources
1. [appliedintuition.com — About](https://www.appliedintuition.com/about)
2. [appliedintuition.com — Homepage](https://www.appliedintuition.com/)
3. [linkedin.com — Applied Intuition Company Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/applied-intuition-inc)
4. [appliedintuition.com — Careers](https://www.appliedintuition.com/careers)
5. [appliedintuition.com — Jobs](https://www.appliedintuition.com/jobs)

## Other roles at Applied Intuition

- [Recruiter](https://feeny.ai/job/recruiter-applied-intuition-tokyo-wpgvs03mbr80) — Tokyo, Japan
- [Sensor Validation Engineer (Sunnyvale, CA)](https://feeny.ai/job/sensor-validation-engineer-sunnyvale-ca-applied-intuition-sunnyvale-x8sn1vgksqpw) — Sunnyvale, CA
- [Senior Validation Engineer (Sunnyvale, CA)](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-validation-engineer-sunnyvale-ca-applied-intuition-sunnyvale-c9f3d44nqsjy) — Sunnyvale, CA
- [Recruiting Coordinator (Contract)](https://feeny.ai/job/recruiting-coordinator-contract-applied-intuition-sunnyvale-nhqnqj542y3h) — Sunnyvale, CA
- [Cybersecurity Software Engineer - New Grad (December 2027)](https://feeny.ai/job/cybersecurity-software-engineer-new-grad-december-2027-applied-intuition-e3gzwk0hrp11) — Sunnyvale, CA
- [Forward Deployed Engineer - New Grad (December 2026)](https://feeny.ai/job/forward-deployed-engineer-new-grad-december-2026-applied-intuition-sunnyvale-kzjq7ww8cwpb) — Sunnyvale, CA
- [Electrical Integration Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-integration-engineer-applied-intuition-bengaluru-pnpt5qsx5f3m) — Bengaluru, India
- [Enterprise Security Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/enterprise-security-engineer-applied-intuition-sunnyvale-qs4527s8ge70) — Sunnyvale, CA
- [Technical Program Manager - Trucking Operations](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-program-manager-trucking-operations-applied-intuition-sunnyvale-m8dmkrbas0t9) — Sunnyvale, CA
- [Engineering Manager - Defense Physical AI](https://feeny.ai/job/engineering-manager-defense-physical-ai-applied-intuition-washington-bfs8784c9g0k) — Washington, DC