Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Embodied AI and Smart NPCs

About the role

In this pivotal position at Roblox, you will be at the forefront of innovation, focusing on the development of Embodied AI and Behavioral Agents that transform the gaming experience. As part of the Creator Services Machine Intelligence team, your work will bridge the gap between advanced research and practical application, enabling the creation of intelligent agents that enhance gameplay and automate processes. You will tackle unique challenges in a dynamic environment, contributing to a vision that aims to connect a billion people through engaging digital experiences.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and execute end-to-end foundation models for embodied agents, covering everything from feature extraction to inference.
• Establish a comprehensive long-term strategy for Game AI and Embodied Intelligence, setting high standards for code quality and architectural design.
• Navigate the balance between pioneering deep learning research and the practical demands of deploying models for millions of users simultaneously.
• Provide mentorship to fellow engineers and researchers, cultivating a culture of technical excellence and inquiry within the team.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Backend Engineers, Game Engine Engineers, and other team members to ensure cohesive project execution.
• Conduct research to advance the capabilities of AI agents in understanding complex 3D environments and executing intricate gameplay strategies.
• Design and implement robust simulation environments for evaluating and refining AI models using reinforcement learning techniques.
• Engage in feature extraction and model training, employing methods from imitation learning to enhance agent performance.
• Create generalizable agents that can perceive their surroundings, comprehend game rules, and perform complex actions in real-time.
• Lead initiatives to automate playtesting processes, ensuring high-quality gaming experiences for users.
• Contribute to the development of tools and frameworks that support the integration of AI into various gaming scenarios.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in machine learning and AI, applying relevant findings to improve existing systems.

Requirements

• A PhD or Master's degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, with a strong publication record in top-tier conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR, AAAI, SIGGRAPH) focusing on embodied agents or similar areas.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience as a Machine Learning Engineer or Research Scientist, with a proven track record of applying research to real-world products.
• In-depth knowledge of Imitation Learning, Robotics, Reinforcement Learning, and Computer Graphics and Vision, particularly in low-latency motor control and strategic reasoning.
• Experience in building large-scale data pipelines and simulation environments for reinforcement learning evaluation.
• Proficient in training models on distributed clusters and addressing challenges related to real-time inference in gaming contexts.
• Strong programming skills in Python, particularly with frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow, along with familiarity in C#, C++, or similar languages.
• A commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation, with a focus on delivering scalable solutions that impact millions of users.

Nice to have

• Experience with game development or interactive media, providing insights into player behavior and engagement.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms and services that facilitate large-scale machine learning operations.
• Knowledge of ethical AI practices and a commitment to developing responsible AI systems.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with additional experience in C# or C++.
• Familiarity with cloud services and tools for machine learning deployment and management.
• Experience with simulation environments and reinforcement learning methodologies.

Practical notes

This position is based at our headquarters in San Mateo, CA. The starting annual salary for this role ranges from $345,040 to $399,420 USD, depending on various factors such as professional experience and market demand. All full-time employees are eligible for equity compensation and benefits as outlined on our careers page. Please note that for U.S.-based roles, the company may have limitations regarding employment eligibility for certain visa categories.

META

Company: Roblox

Title: Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Embodied AI and Smart NPCs

Listed

location: San Mateo, CA, United States

About the company

An online space lets people build and play games. Founded long ago by two creators, it grew into a shared world opened to everyone in the mid 2000s. Now reaching millions each day, it hosts games made by its users. A large share of young American children under sixteen are monthly players here. High daily activity shows a lasting community where creativity and shared play remain central.