ML Engineer, II - New AI Initiatives

About the role

Torc Robotics is seeking a highly motivated Machine Learning Engineer II to join our innovative New AI Initiatives team. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing and deploying advanced AI solutions that support our autonomous trucking systems. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to design, implement, and optimize machine learning models and algorithms that address complex real-world challenges. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology in a collaborative environment, helping to shape the future of autonomous vehicles and AI-driven transportation solutions. As part of our team, you will be involved in establishing best practices for AI development, ensuring scalable and reliable deployment of models, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI in the automotive industry.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Contribute to the development and establishment of AI development tools and frameworks within Torc, ensuring they support scalable and efficient deployment of machine learning models.
• Independently create, test, and refine data science models or algorithms, following structured software development practices such as version control, documentation, and code reviews.
• Collaborate closely with Data Ops teams to manage data ingestion pipelines, data preparation, curation, and governance processes for large and complex datasets that underpin analytics workflows.
• Lead specific projects, taking ownership of tasks from conception through deployment, and mentor junior team members to foster a collaborative learning environment.
• Provide users and stakeholders with actionable insights by developing data visualizations, dashboards, and reports that enhance understanding and usability of analytics outputs.
• Define and implement standards, guidelines, and best practices for analytics and machine learning model deployment, including monitoring, maintenance, and updating procedures.
• Engage with cross-disciplinary teams to share findings, gather feedback, and facilitate the integration of AI solutions into existing systems and workflows.
• Participate in the design, evaluation, and validation of machine learning models to ensure they meet performance, scalability, and robustness requirements.
• Assist in the integration of AI models into production environments, working with software engineers to ensure seamless deployment and operation.
• Stay current with emerging AI and machine learning technologies, tools, and methodologies, and recommend innovative approaches to improve project outcomes.
• Document technical processes, model architectures, and experimental results to support reproducibility and knowledge sharing across teams.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and infrastructure to enhance productivity and quality.
• Support the team in troubleshooting and resolving issues related to AI models, data pipelines, and deployment environments.
• Work within the constraints of project timelines and budgets, balancing innovation with practical implementation considerations.
• Uphold data security and privacy standards, especially when handling sensitive or proprietary information, in compliance with company policies and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with 4 or more years of relevant experience; or Master's Degree in one of these fields, with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop, test, and deploy machine learning models and algorithms in a professional setting.
• Strong programming skills, particularly in languages such as Python, and familiarity with relevant ML frameworks and libraries.
• Experience working with large datasets, data management, and data governance practices.
• Knowledge of software development best practices, including version control, testing, and documentation.
• Ability to analyze complex problems critically and develop practical, scalable solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to explore new technologies and approaches, and to adapt to evolving project requirements.
• Resilience and patience to work on long-term projects that may require iterative development and refinement.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, collaborating across disciplines and sharing knowledge.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities efficiently.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in AI and machine learning fields.

Nice to have

• Prior experience in the autonomous vehicle industry or related fields such as robotics, automotive, or transportation technology.
• Familiarity with ITAR compliance and handling sensitive or classified data.
• Experience with deploying models in cloud environments or on embedded systems.
• Knowledge of software engineering practices related to CI/CD pipelines and containerization.
• Understanding of safety-critical systems and validation processes relevant to autonomous vehicles.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar.
• Experience with data ingestion, preparation, and governance tools and platforms.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools and platforms for creating dashboards and reports.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with knowledge of related libraries such as NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, etc.
• Knowledge of version control systems like Git.
• Ability to work with cloud services or on-premise infrastructure supporting AI development.
• Experience with containerization and deployment tools such as Docker or Kubernetes is a plus.

Practical notes

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• The salary range for this role is between $153,200 and $183,800 USD, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Benefits include a comprehensive compensation package with a bonus component and stock options, full coverage of medical, dental, and vision premiums, a 401K plan with a 6% employer match, flexible scheduling, generous paid vacation, and life insurance.
• This is an on-site position based in the US; the role is not remote, hybrid, or work-from-home unless explicitly stated.
• The company values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
• Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every qualification, as we value potential and a willingness to learn.
• The role involves working within a collaborative team environment, engaging with multiple stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Candidates should be prepared to stay current with technological advancements and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• The position offers an exciting opportunity to work on impactful projects at the forefront of AI and autonomous vehicle technology.

About the company

Torc Robotics writes the software that lets heavy trucks drive themselves on public highways. The company began in Blacksburg, Virginia, in 2005 with students from Virginia Tech and later became part of Daimler Truck. Engineering and test work now run in the United States, Canada, and Germany, with an early commercial focus on Freightliner Cascadia trucks used in U.S. freight.