General Motors

Machine Learning for Robotics

General Motors • $120K — $150K *
Warren, MI 48089Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer Science, or closely related field, or MS with 3+ years experience
  • Strong background in machine learning with experience in robotic skill training
  • Proficient in programming and system development (Python, C++, PyTorch/TensorFlow)

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of advanced machine learning techniques for robotics
  • Apply learning methods to complex robotic domains like grasping and manipulation
  • Design and validate machine learning solutions on robotic platforms
  • Translate research into production-ready robotic capabilities
  • Define research roadmaps for learning-based robotics at GM
  • Mentor junior researchers and engineers in AI robotics
  • Contribute to GM’s intellectual property through publications and patents

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with in-office requirements
  • Potential for relocation benefits
  • Engagement in cutting-edge research and development in robotics
  • Opportunity to influence high-impact manufacturing problems
  • Contributions to technological advancements in intelligent automation
Full Job Description
Job Description



Job Title: Staff Researcher - Machine Learning for Robotics

Role Overview

General Motors is seeking a Staff Researcher in Machine Learning for Robotics to drive the development and deployment of advanced learning methods for intelligent robotic systems in manufacturing. This role requires deep technical expertise in machine learning combined with a proven ability to apply these methods to complex, real-world robotic challenges, enabling next-generation automation and flexible production systems.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the development and application of advanced machine learning techniques for robotic systems, including:
    • Reinforcement learning (RL)
    • Imitation learning and learning from demonstration
    • Deep learning methods for perception, planning, and control
  • Apply learning-based approaches to challenging robotic domains, including:
    • Grasping and dexterous manipulation
    • Mobile manipulation and coordinated motion
    • Contact-rich assembly and force-sensitive operations
  • Design, implement, and validate machine learning solutions on physical robotic platforms, from concept to production.
  • Translate research innovations into scalable, production-ready capabilities for manufacturing environments
  • Define technical direction and research roadmaps for learning-based robotics within GM
  • Mentor junior researchers and engineers, elevating the overall team capability in AI-driven robotics
  • Contribute to GM's technical leadership through intellectual property, publications, and external technical engagement

Required Qualifications
  • PhD in Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer Science, or a closely related field from a leading university, or a MS with 3+ years of experience
  • Strong academic and applied background in machine learning, with demonstrated experience training policies for grasping, manipulation, contact-rich assembly, or other robotic skills.
  • Strong programming and system development skills (Python, C++, PyTorch/TensorFlow)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with:
  • Dexterous and multi-contact manipulation
  • Mobile manipulation in dynamic or unstructured environments
  • Learning-based control for contact-rich assembly
  • Simulation-to-real transfer and data-efficient learning
  • Foundation-model-enabled robotics, including vision-language-action models, transformer-based control architectures, world models, and emerging generative AI methods for robot planning and execution
  • Experience in industrial or automotive manufacturing environments
  • Publication record in leading conferences (e.g., ICRA, RSS, CoRL, NeurIPS) and/or strong patent portfolio
  • Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and influence cross-functional teams

Staff-Level Expectations
  • Demonstrated experience in project leadership, taking project(s) from initiation through implementation.
  • Acts as a subject matter expert in machine learning for robotics across GM
  • Drives the application of AI to high-impact manufacturing problems
  • Balances cutting-edge research with robustness, safety, and scalability requirements for production deployment

Impact

This role will help shape the future of intelligent automation at GM by enabling robotic systems capable of learning, adapting, and performing complex manipulation and assembly tasks in real-world production environments-unlocking new levels of flexibility, efficiency, and capability in manufacturing.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

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Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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