At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative AI and robotics projects, shaping the future of humanoid robots.
- Company: Pioneering UK AI and robotics company focused on humanoid automation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, stock options, paid vacation, and office perks.
- Other info: Collaborate with global teams and enjoy high autonomy in your role.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced startup and make a real impact in robotics and AI.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in deep learning, with leadership experience and robotics expertise.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
- Head of Vision – Language – Action (VLA) Development – Manipulation
- Our Clients
They are the UK’s first AI and robotics company dedicated to building advanced, reliable, and commercially scalable humanoid robots.
Their flagship platform, HMND-01, is a next-generation labour automation system designed to deliver efficient, adaptable performance across real-world environments, beginning with industrial applications.
Responsibilities
- Lead the strategy and execution of representation learning, behaviour cloning, and reinforcement learning programs.
- Drive large-scale post-training for multi-modal LLM / VLM / VLA systems, integrating vision, audio, proprioception, Li DAR, and point cloud data.
- Build pipelines to continuously collect, version, label, and evaluate simulation and tele-operation data.
- Partner with MLOps and platform teams to scale distributed training and optimise models for real-time edge inference.
- Grow, mentor, and unblock a high-performing team of researchers and engineers.
Requirements
- 6+ years developing deep learning systems, with 2+ years in technical leadership.
- Hands‑on experience with LLM/VLM architecture design and large‑scale training.
- Proven expertise in robotics or autonomous systems (behaviour cloning, actor‑critic, offline RL).
- Experience deploying to humanoid or legged robots.
- Track record of shipping to real hardware and refining via data flywheels.
- Background in autonomous control and planning.
- Contributions to research or open‑source in multi‑modal transformers, diffusion control, or world models.
- Familiarity with Open VLA, π models, or other VLA frameworks.
- Competitive compensation and stock options.
- Paid vacation (aligned with local labour regulations).
- Opportunities to collaborate across our teams in Vancouver and Boston.
- Office perks including meals, snacks, and team events.
- High autonomy and direct ownership of impactful initiatives.
- Work with leading experts across AI, robotics, and engineering.
- A fast‑moving, transparent, low‑bureaucracy startup environment.
- Seniority Level
- Associate
- Employment Type
- Full‑time
- Job Function
- Information Technology
- Industries
- Robotics Engineering and Robot Manufacturing
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Vision – Language – Action (VLA) Development – Manipulation employer: Shaw Daniels Solutions
Shaw Daniels Solutions is an exceptional employer located in Greater London, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, including training in cutting-edge technologies and a supportive environment that encourages professional development. With a focus on a digital-first strategy, the company provides a unique chance to work on impactful projects that shape the future of their digital platforms.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Vision – Language – Action (VLA) Development – Manipulation
✨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 Shaw Daniels Solutions 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 Shaw Daniels Solutions, 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 Shaw Daniels Solutions.
✨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 Shaw Daniels Solutions, which might have the full-time role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Vision – Language – Action (VLA) Development – Manipulation
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 Shaw Daniels Solutions’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 Shaw Daniels Solutions
✨Showcase Your Technical Wizardry
For a role in robotics and automation at Shaw Daniels Solutions, 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 Shaw Daniels Solutions. 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.
