Sanctuary AI
Machine Learning Research Intern (Reinforcement/Imitation Learning)
Be an Early Applicant
Work on designing, implementing, and improving state-of-the-art reinforcement and imitation learning algorithms for dexterous robotic manipulation. Develop RL/IL training and data-collection pipelines, integrate ML models onto robotics platforms, evaluate sim-to-real transfer, and collaborate across teams to deploy algorithms on physical humanoid robots.
Your New Role and Team
Sanctuary AI, a world leader in building dexterity-driven Physical AI for general purpose robots, is looking to hire a skilled and motivated intern to join our ML team and contribute to our team’s work in engineering and innovating unique robotic manipulation tasks.
Reporting to the RL Lead, you will have the opportunity to tackle a variety of challenges related to the perception, planning, and motion systems for humanoid general-purpose robots.
The best candidates for this role have excellent software development and machine learning skills as well as hands-on experience with robotics. In this role you’ll be a valued contributor and you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the design, architecture, and implementation of the simulation platform and machine learning systems that power our general-purpose robots.
We are flexible regarding both the internship start date and the duration of the term.
Our Success Criteria
- Design, implement, and improve state-of-the-art Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Imitation Learning (IL) algorithms and test them in real-world settings
- Keep up to date with state-of-the-art RL/IL methodologies and robotics
- Identify, communicate, and drive promising research directions to the team
- Find ways of improving existing implementations of RL/IL pipelines with regards to standard metrics such as sample efficiency, speed, computational resource usage, and scalability
- Design RL/IL training and data-collection pipelines to facilitate fast deployment on physical robots
- Work with a multidisciplinary team to develop novel algorithms and investigate sources of errors with existing implementations
Your Experience
Desired Qualifications
- Pursuing MS or Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Applied Math, or related field
- Experience implementing a variety of RL and IL methods with a focus in a specialization such as computer vision or robotics
- Hands-on experience integrating ML models onto a robotics platform
- Experience implementing and deploying (dexterous) robotic manipulation tasks in simulation and on physical robots
- Experience taking ML R&D and trained models into production
- Experience with computer vision systems
- Experience in simulation-to-reality transfer learning
Skills
- Development with Python 3.6 or later
- Working knowledge of PyTorch and/or JAX
- Familiarity with ROS2
- Extensive knowledge of RL/IL principles and use
Traits
- Above all else, a consistently positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes to create robust solutions to complex problems
- Optimistic listening and conflict resolution capabilities
- Demonstrated ability to influence others without authority
- Eager to take on new challenges with tenacity and positivity
- Patience, persistence, and attention to detail when resolving performance issues
- Obsession with bringing human-like intelligence to machines
Sanctuary AI Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN Office
Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada
Similar Jobs
Cloud • Fintech • Information Technology • Machine Learning • Software
Lead cross-team technical strategy and architecture for large-scale cloud-native systems. Drive CI/CD automation, microservice refactoring, SLOs, technical frameworks, and operational metrics. Mentor lead engineers, improve engineering practices, and balance technical debt with product delivery to enable secure, scalable solutions for small-business customers.
Top Skills:
Automated Delivery ToolingCi/Cd PipelinesCloud-NativeMicroservice ArchitecturePerformance & Scalability EngineeringSlos
Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Computer Vision • Hardware • Internet of Things • Software
The Senior Security Engineer I will build and maintain core security infrastructure, collaborate with global teams, mentor junior engineers, and drive security initiatives.
Top Skills:
Aws LambdaCrowdstrikePythonTerraformTinesZscaler
Gaming • Information Technology • Mobile • Software • Esports
Develop and own animation-driven gameplay mechanics—complex locomotion, physical duels, and foot-to-object interactions. Collaborate with animators, designers, and production to implement, optimize, debug, and iterate robust, performant animation systems and content-creation tooling to produce authentic, responsive character animation.
Top Skills:
3D Math/Linear AlgebraC++Forward KinematicsInverse KinematicsKeyframe AnimationProcedural Animation
What you need to know about the Vancouver Tech Scene
Raincouver, Vancity, The Big Smoke — Vancouver is known by many names, and in recent years, it has gained a reputation as a growing hub for both tech and sustainability. Renowned for its natural beauty, the city has become a magnet for professionals eager to create environmental solutions, and with an emphasis on clean technology, renewable energy and environmental innovation, it's attracted companies across various industries, all working toward a shared goal: advancing clean technology.
