Research Engineer – Learning-Based Animation & Simulation
Research Engineer – Learning-Based Animation & Simulation

Research Engineer – Learning-Based Animation & Simulation

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
S

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Develop RL-based control policies and experiment with generative methods for animation.
  • Company: Join a pioneering team redefining virtual agent interactions through advanced simulation and AI.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, equity options, and a hybrid-first work culture with remote flexibility.
  • Why this job: Work on cutting-edge tech at the intersection of AI and animation in a fast-paced, creative environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in reinforcement learning, strong Python skills, and familiarity with simulation environments required.
  • Other info: Relocation support available for exceptional candidates willing to move to London.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Research Engineer – Learning-Based Animation & Simulation

Research Engineer – Learning-Based Animation & Simulation

Direct message the job poster from Search Technology

Location: London (hybrid strongly preferred); remote in EU possible for exceptional candidates

Type: Full-time

Seniority: Open from postdoctoral level to senior/staff level

About the Position

Our client is reimagining how virtual agents move, behave, and interact. By combining real-time simulation, reinforcement learning, and generative models, they’re building a new foundation for intelligent animation in digital worlds; from characters to physically grounded agents.

This isn’t just an ML research role – you’ll be implementing novel algorithms, working directly in simulation, and tuning systems that will run in production pipelines. We’re looking for engineers who thrive in high-agency environments and want to push the edge of embodied intelligence.

What You\’ll Do:

  • Develop and train RL-based control policies for humanoid or robotic characters in simulation
  • Experiment with generative methods for motion synthesis, behaviour blending, and skill composition
  • Build robust systems on top of modern simulation engines (Isaac Sim, MuJoCo, Unity, etc.)
  • Implement new research ideas from papers, then go further and make them work
  • Work closely with a small, tight-knit team of engineers and researchers shipping iterative prototypes

Experience Required:

  • Proven experience in reinforcement learning for control, robotics, or animation
  • Strong coding ability in Python and comfort with performance-aware development
  • Familiarity with simulation environments (Isaac Sim/Lab, MuJoCo, Unity, PyBullet)
  • Curiosity for generative methods (VAEs, diffusion, trajectory priors)
  • Strong grasp of research from groups like Levine, Peng, Abbeel, Finn, or Mordatch
  • Comfortable working across both high-level ML and low-level physics code
  • Self-motivated, fast learner, collaborative mindset

Bonus Experience (Nice to Have)

  • Experience with character animation pipelines
  • Unity engine or game dev familiarity
  • Experience deploying models in real-time or latency-sensitive environments

Why Join

  • Join an early team building tech with massive creative and technical potential
  • Tackle some of the hardest problems at the intersection of AI, physics, and animation
  • Work in a culture that values speed, autonomy, and deep technical craft
  • Competitive salary + deep equity with meaningful upside
  • Hybrid-first culture in London, with remote flexibility for exceptional contributors

** Relocation support/sponsorship is viable for exceptional candidates who intend to relocate to London **

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Mid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Information Technology, Research, and Engineering

  • Industries

    Technology, Information and Media and Software Development

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Search Technology by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Research Engineer” roles.

Greater London, England, United Kingdom 1 hour ago

Earth Observation Scientist – Coal Mine Methane

London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 6 months ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

London, England, United Kingdom 9 months ago

London, England, United Kingdom 5 months ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

London, England, United Kingdom 11 months ago

London, England, United Kingdom 3 hours ago

Research Scientist – Generative AI & Applications

London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

AI Research Scientist (Sequential Decision Making)

London, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

London, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

London, England, United Kingdom 11 months ago

London, England, United Kingdom 2 months ago

Research Scientist – Generative & Applied Machine Learning

London, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago

London, England, United Kingdom 11 months ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

London, England, United Kingdom 3 months ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

London, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

London, England, United Kingdom $35,000.00-$46,000.00 2 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Research Engineer – Learning-Based Animation & Simulation employer: Search Technology

Join a pioneering team in London that is redefining the future of animation and simulation through cutting-edge technology. With a strong emphasis on autonomy, collaboration, and technical excellence, employees are encouraged to push boundaries while enjoying a hybrid-first work culture that supports both in-office and remote work options. The company offers competitive salaries, equity opportunities, and a commitment to employee growth, making it an exceptional place for those passionate about AI and robotics.
S

Contact Detail:

Search Technology Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Engineer – Learning-Based Animation & Simulation

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest research in reinforcement learning and generative methods. Being able to discuss recent advancements or specific papers from influential researchers like Levine or Abbeel during your interview can demonstrate your passion and knowledge in the field.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your coding skills by working on personal projects or contributing to open-source projects related to simulation or animation. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also provide you with concrete examples to discuss during interviews.

Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the field through platforms like LinkedIn or relevant conferences. Engaging with others who work in reinforcement learning or animation can lead to valuable insights and potentially even referrals for the position.

Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss how you would approach implementing new research ideas in a production environment. Think about challenges you might face and how you would overcome them, as this shows your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Engineer – Learning-Based Animation & Simulation

Reinforcement Learning
Control Systems
Robotics
Animation Techniques
Python Programming
Performance-Aware Development
Simulation Environments (Isaac Sim, MuJoCo, Unity, PyBullet)
Generative Methods (VAEs, Diffusion, Trajectory Priors)
Research Implementation
Collaboration Skills
Self-Motivation
Fast Learning
High-Level Machine Learning
Low-Level Physics Coding

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Research Engineer position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially in reinforcement learning, simulation environments, and coding in Python.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in reinforcement learning, robotics, and animation. Include specific projects or research that demonstrate your coding abilities and familiarity with simulation engines like Unity or MuJoCo.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention any relevant experience with generative methods and your ability to work in high-agency environments. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of embodied intelligence.

Showcase Your Projects: If applicable, include links to your published research or projects that demonstrate your expertise in the field. Highlight any experience with character animation pipelines or deploying models in real-time environments to strengthen your application.

How to prepare for a job interview at Search Technology

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Be prepared to discuss your experience with reinforcement learning, coding in Python, and working with simulation environments like Isaac Sim or Unity. Bring examples of past projects that demonstrate your technical abilities and how you've applied them in real-world scenarios.

Demonstrate Your Curiosity

Express your interest in generative methods and the latest research in the field. Be ready to discuss how you stay updated on advancements and how you might apply these concepts to the role. This shows your passion for the subject and willingness to learn.

Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions

Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly in high-agency environments. Think about challenges you've encountered in previous roles and how you overcame them, especially in relation to developing control policies or working with simulation engines.

Emphasise Team Collaboration

Since the role involves working closely with a small team, highlight your collaborative mindset. Share experiences where you successfully worked in a team setting, contributed to group projects, or helped others achieve their goals. This will show that you're a good fit for their tight-knit culture.

Research Engineer – Learning-Based Animation & Simulation
Search Technology
Location: London

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

S
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>