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ML Research Engineer for Manufacturing Optimization

Remote · Full-time · Senior

About The Position

Our client is seeking their first dedicated ML Research Engineer to join the CEO in building the core AI capabilities that will define the product. You’ll research and implement Advanced AI Algorithms that directly impact manufacturing efficiency and sustainability at scale.

What makes this role unique:

  • Direct impact: Your algorithms will optimize real manufacturing processes, reducing waste and improving efficiency
  • Technical innovation: Their "small data" approach using Bayesian optimization puts an expert operator next to each industrial machine
  • Substantial equity: Meaningful ownership (1%+ for top candidates) as their first key technical hire
  • Growth potential: Opportunity to eventually lead their AI/ML team as they scale
  • Real-world application: Work directly with manufacturing customers, not just theoretical problems

What makes this project exciting?

Our client is an innovative AI company transforming manufacturing by helping factories operate machines more efficiently, even with limited on-the-floor expertise. Using a unique "small data" approach, they enable manufacturers to achieve major gains in efficiency, quality, and sustainability with just a few experiments. Recently backed by investors, the team is expanding to scale its impact across industries from sheet-metal processing to injection molding.

What makes you a great fit

Machine Learning & Optimization:

  • Strong expertise in Bayesian Optimization and Gaussian Processes (both implementation and theory)
  • Hands-on experience with Few-Shot Learning and RL techniques
  • Deep understanding of optimization under uncertainty and multi-objective optimization
  • Ability to perform literature research and implement algorithms from academic papers
  • Experimental mindset, including the design of experiments to validate new approaches and performance comparison between algorithms
  • Solid background in statistics, probability theory, experimental design, and handling small datasets

Programming & Development:

  • Advanced proficiency in Python language and libraries (sklearn, GPytorch, GPflow)
  • Rapid prototyping, iterative development, and strong Git/collaborative practices

Highly Desirable:

  • Experience with Bayesian Neural Networks, batch/multitask optimization, transfer learning, and meta-learning
  • Experience implementing algorithms from research papers
  • Manufacturing/industrial process optimization background
  • Web development (FastAPI, MongoDB, React/Angular) and cloud platforms

Your day-to-day in this position

  • Algorithm Development: Collaborate directly with the CEO/CTO on Bayesian optimization and strategic technical decisions
  • Literature Review & Research: Systematically review cutting-edge research in Bayesian optimization, batch acquisition functions, and transfer learning to identify promising approaches for our "small data" context
  • Task autonomy: Take high-level direction to rapidly prototype and iterate on AI solutions with speed-to-market focus
  • Batch Optimization: Develop and implement Bayesian Optimization algorithms that suggest batches of experiments in each step
  • Knowledge Transfer: Implement knowledge transfer capabilities across machines to dramatically reduce experiments needed
  • Data Quality Systems: Create robust validation and cleanup systems for reliable knowledge transfer
  • Integration of Process Knowledge: Leverage existing knowledge for machining, injection molding, and welding applications
  • Customer Interaction: Occasionally

Why work with us?

Our client offers:

Benefits & Culture

  • Remote-First: Fully remote work with flexible hours. Candidates living in Germany are strongly preferred
  • Generous Time Off: 30 vacation days (with additional flexibility as needed)
  • Professional Development: Training and courses covered
  • Equipment & Setup: Everything you need to work effectively from home

Work Environment

  • Collaborative: Small team where your voice matters and decisions happen quickly
  • Growth-Oriented: As their first technical hire, you'll help shape our engineering culture
  • Customer-Connected: See your impact through occasional customer interactions
  • Team Building: Quarterly/yearly company activities and strategy sessions