Research Scientist, Simulation Agents

Waabi Innovation Inc.

Job Overview

Location

Remote US & Canada

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• As a Research Scientist on the Behaviors team at Waabi Innovation Inc., you will play a pivotal role in advancing the frontier of Physical AI by developing realistic and controllable simulation agents that power Waabi World, the company’s industry-leading simulation platform for autonomous vehicles. Your work will directly contribute to creating the most rigorous and scientifically grounded safety case for self-driving technology, enabling the deployment of autonomous trucks and robotaxis in real-world conditions.
• You will own and drive a research agenda focused on pushing the boundaries of simulation agent realism and controllability, working at the intersection of machine learning, robotics, and autonomous systems to solve some of the most challenging problems in embodied AI.
• Day to day, you will: design and implement novel algorithms in imitation learning, reinforcement learning, generative models, and foundation models to create lifelike simulation agents; conduct rigorous experimentation using PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX to validate hypotheses and improve model performance; collaborate closely with autonomy, simulation, and safety teams to translate research insights into production-ready solutions that meet Waabi’s technical milestones; author technical documentation and present findings in internal forums and external venues; mentor junior researchers and interns, fostering a culture of curiosity, reproducibility, and scientific excellence; and prepare and submit high-impact research papers to top-tier conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR, RSS, and ICRA.
• You will join a world-class, multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers who are united by a mission to revolutionize transportation through AI that understands and interacts safely with the physical world. Waabi’s Behaviors team operates at the cutting edge of simulation science, where theoretical innovation meets engineering rigor to build virtual environments that accurately mirror real-world complexity.
• Waabi is a rapidly growing, well-funded company backed by leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech, with a culture that values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and impact. The company fosters an environment where bold ideas are encouraged, failure is seen as a step toward learning, and scientific contributions are recognized and celebrated.
• In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of autonomous vehicle development by creating the simulation agents that teach self-driving systems how to handle rare, dangerous, and complex scenarios — ultimately making autonomous transportation safer and more scalable. You will deepen your expertise in advanced ML techniques, gain end-to-end experience in research-to-production pipelines, and build a strong publication record in premier ML and robotics venues, positioning yourself as a leader in the emerging field of Physical AI.

🎯 Requirements

• Masters or PhD in machine learning, computer science, engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Strong theoretical and practical background in imitation learning and/or reinforcement learning, with hands-on experience applying these methods to sequential decision-making problems.
• Proven track record of publishing research in top-tier machine learning or robotics conferences or journals (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR, RSS, ICRA, IEEE TPAMI, IJRR).
• Proficiency with modern deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX, including experience with large-scale model training and experimentation.
• Excellent software engineering practices, including writing clean, modular, and well-tested code, and familiarity with version control (e.g., Git) and reproducible research workflows.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment, communicating complex ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

🏖️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier research talent.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and dependents, including mental health and wellness support.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, plus flexible remote work arrangements across the US and Canada.
• Access to cutting-edge computing resources, including GPU clusters and large-scale simulation infrastructure, to support ambitious research agendas.
• Professional development support, including conference attendance, publication assistance, and opportunities to present work at leading academic and industry events.
• A mission-driven culture that values scientific rigor, innovation, and collaboration, with regular tech talks, journal clubs, and opportunities to engage with leaders in AI and autonomous systems.

Skills & Technologies

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Remote

Degree Required

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Waabi Innovation Inc.

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About Waabi Innovation Inc.

Waabi Innovation Inc. is a Toronto-based autonomous trucking company that uses generative AI simulation to train self-driving software. Founded in 2021 by former Uber ATG head Raquel Urtasun, it combines deep learning, probabilistic inference, and closed-loop simulation to create scalable, safe systems for long-haul freight without extensive on-road testing. The company operates in the United States and Canada, partnering with carriers and logistics providers to deploy AI-driven trucks that aim to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the supply chain.

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