At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of robot learning and physical AI technologies.
- Company: Profitable, independent deep-tech robotics company based in London.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements and competitive compensation packages.
- Other info: Opportunity for both full-time and part-time roles.
- Why this job: Shape the future of robotics and make a tangible impact in the field.
- Qualifications: Experience in reinforcement learning and physical AI is essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About the Company
I'm having early conversations on behalf of a profitable, independent, deep-tech robotics company in London that's about to formally define a senior robot learning/physical AI hire.
About the Role
Nothing is live yet - this is genuine market mapping before a role is built, and I'd love to hear from people who might be a fit whether or not the timing works right now.
No pitch, no vacancy details, just understanding what's out there and what would genuinely move someone right now.
Responsibilities
- Robot Learning, Embodied AI, or Physical AI experience specifically, not general AI or ML engineering.
If your background is LLMs, chatbots, or applying AI to software products, that's genuinely valuable work, but it isn't this role.
- Trained models that actually control a physical robot, not just software.
- Taken something that works in simulation and made it survive contact with the real world.
- No robotics or hardware background required, but real, hands-on production experience in reinforcement learning for manipulation, sim-to-real transfer, and domain randomisation for contact-rich tasks.
Academic exposure alone isn't enough here.
- Comfortable owning a technical plan and turning strategy into an actual engineering roadmap.
Qualifications
- A Ph D or years of industry experience in robotics, RL, or controls is a genuine plus, but not essential if your track record speaks for itself.
- Required Skills
- Reinforcement learning for manipulation.
- Sim-to-real transfer.
- Domain randomisation for contact-rich tasks.
- Background in Robot Learning, Embodied AI, or Physical AI.
- Pay range and compensation package
Both full-time and part-time/fractional arrangements are being considered, so please don't rule yourself out on that basis alone.
Robot Learning / Physical AI Lead in London employer: HFBAC
At HFBAC, we pride ourselves on being a values-first IT Managed Service Provider in Bristol, where our culture prioritises fairness and employee development. With a focus on meaningful work that blends support with real projects, we offer clear progression paths, a supportive small team environment, and a commitment to your growth through regular feedback and mentorship. Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with generous holiday allowances, a stocked kitchen, and a team that genuinely cares about each other.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Robot Learning / Physical AI Lead in London
✨Dive into Robotics Meetups
Get yourself out there and connect with others in the robotics-automation field by attending local meetups and industry events. These gatherings are where the magic happens, and you might just rub shoulders with someone from HFBAC or get insider tips on upcoming vacancies.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Create a portfolio that highlights your robotics projects, whether they're personal, academic, or freelance. Share this on platforms like GitHub or your personal website, as it shows potential employers, like HFBAC, what you're made of and your hands-on experience in the field.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you're fresh out of university or still connected, don't underestimate your career services. They often have exclusive access to job fairs and employer networking events in technical fields like ours, so make sure you tap into those resources to discover openings at companies like HFBAC.
✨Engage in Online Communities
Join online communities that focus on robotics and automation, such as forums or LinkedIn groups. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share insights. This not only builds your visibility but could also lead to direct connections at firms like HFBAC, which might have the full-time role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Robot Learning / Physical AI Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the robotics and automation field, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills on your CV. Include specific programming languages, software platforms, and any relevant robotics experience. Don’t forget to mention any projects or systems you've developed – this info can really make you stand out!
Portfolio Perfection:Having a polished portfolio can speak volumes for a role in robotics. Include any relevant case studies, designs, or prototypes you've worked on. If you've participated in competitions or hackathons, showcase these achievements as well – they show initiative and problem-solving skills!
Tailored Cover Letter Magic:In your cover letter, don’t just tell us that you love robotics—tell us why you’re passionate about automation specifically! Explain how your skills can contribute to HFBAC’s projects and remember to connect your past experiences to what you'll be doing in this role.
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, such as in robotic process automation or machine learning, make sure they’re front and centre on your CV. These credentials show you're dedicated to your field and keep you up to date with industry standards – we love to see that!
How to prepare for a job interview at HFBAC
✨Showcase Your Technical Wizardry
For a role in robotics and automation at HFBAC, it's crucial to demonstrate your technical skills. Be prepared to dive into specifics about the programming languages and tools you’ve used, like Python or ROS (Robot Operating System). Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and control systems, as these might come up during technical questions.
✨Bring Your Projects to Life
With a full-time position in robotics, you should have a portfolio of your projects ready to show. Whether it's a robot you built for a competition or a simple automation script, make sure you can discuss the challenges you faced and how you solved them. This hands-on experience is gold and shows you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Think Like an Engineer
Expect some problem-solving scenarios during your interview. You might be asked to design a basic automation solution on the spot or troubleshoot a robotic system. Practising these types of technical questions can really set you apart, as they require critical thinking and a systematic approach to tackle problems.
✨Culture Fit Is Key!
Don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit at HFBAC. They might ask about your teamwork experience and how you handle challenges with peers. Be ready to share examples of working in diverse teams, as collaboration is often central to projects in robotics and automation.
