Senior Applied Scientist

Amazon Amazon · Big Tech · San Francisco, CA · Applied Science

Senior Applied Scientist role focused on developing and deploying perception algorithms for robotic systems, leveraging computer vision, sensor fusion, and Vision-Language Models (VLMs). The role involves end-to-end ownership of ML models, from data to deployment, and contributing to research that reshapes the field of robotics and AI.

What you'd actually do

  1. Design, develop, and deploy perception algorithms for robotics systems, including object detection, segmentation, tracking, depth estimation, and scene understanding
  2. Lead research initiatives in computer vision, sensor fusion and 3D perception
  3. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including robotics engineers, software engineers, and product managers to define and deliver perception capabilities
  4. Drive end-to-end ownership of ML models — from data collection and labeling strategy to training, evaluation, and deployment
  5. Mentor junior scientists and engineers; contribute to a culture of technical excellence

Skills

Required

  • Java, C++, Python or related language
  • PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field
  • 4+ years of hands-on experience in computer vision, 3D perception, or sensor fusion
  • Strong proficiency in Python and/or C++
  • Experience with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, or equivalent)

Nice to have

  • Experience with robotic perception in real-world, unstructured environments
  • Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 and robotics middleware
  • Experience with point cloud processing (PCL, Open3D) and multi-modal sensor fusion
  • Knowledge of SLAM, localization, or mapping systems
  • Experience with large-scale data pipelines and distributed training
  • Prior experience in warehouse automation, autonomous vehicles, or industrial robotics

What the JD emphasized

  • Proven track record of delivering ML/perception systems to production
  • Strong publication record or equivalent applied research experience

Other signals

  • Develop and deploy state-of-the-art perception algorithms
  • Lead research initiatives in computer vision, sensor fusion and 3D perception
  • Drive end-to-end ownership of ML models — from data collection and labeling strategy to training, evaluation, and deployment
  • Train ML models for deployment in simulation and real-world robots