The role

Imitation Machines is looking for enthusiastic intern(s) to step into the role of a Machine Learning & Robotics Research Engineer with focus on Imitation and Reinforcement Learning. We need people with passion and knowledge in training imitation / reinforcement learning models and good familiarity with modern deep learning algorithms. The crux of the role is to train, adapt and create ML algorithms that learn robot behaviours from human demonstrations.

In addition to working with ML algorithms, the scope of work includes setting up robot simulation frameworks, developing software for robot integration and human demonstration data collection, and developing the supporting code base.

You will be working closely with and mentored by the founding members of the team. Joining at this early stage will allow you to play a key role in shaping the technical layer of Imitation Machines and take part in the daily life of a deep tech startup.

About Imitation MachinesImitation Machines has an ambitious goal of bringing the latest advances in Imitation and Reinforcement Learning, Robotics and AI into an integrated platform that enables anyone in the world to create robot new and custom behaviours.

Imagine the state of future technology where anyone can teach any robot, by demonstration, to solve any task they need, and create intelligent robotic workforce that meets unique needs across industries, robot forms, and environments. We want this future to happen. We see that all the necessary technological prerequisites are in place, and we're building that future.

The readiness of reinforcement learning, imitation learning, and robot hardware has reached a tipping point, positioning Imitation Machines to transform how robot behaviours are created. Rather than relying on conventional programming, we can radically accelerate the process and start building systems where robots are taught by human teachers through demonstration.





We're taking a practice-first approach: real-world robot deployments with our industry partners guide our research and development. By working directly with industries, robot developers, and system integrators, we position ourselves at the frontier of practical imitation learning—tackling the challenges that emerge when these technologies meet real applications. This makes us early integrators of imitation learning in production environments, and it's how we're paving the way for broader adoption of robotic automation.

Imitation Machines is a pre-seed funded startup moving quickly toward our next milestone. We're laser-focused on proving our vision and building a team of machines learning and robotics engineers who want to push the boundaries of what's possible in robot learning.

What we’re looking for

- Strong understanding and hands-on experience with Deep Reinforcement Learning algorithms, ideally applied to robotics

- Solid grasp of Machine Learning concepts

- Familiarity with ROS (Robot Operating System)

- Some experience working on robotics projects

- Self-driven builder mentality – experimenting, making things happen, thriving on challenges, and breaking recent ground

Position detailsLevel: Entry-level / Internship

Type: Part-time

Length of engagement: 6 months or more (not shorter)

Minimal time commitment: 2 days / week

Compensation: Entry-level / intern-level part-time salary

Remote work: Theoretical, algorithms, and in-simulation work can be done remotely and we do consider fully remote candidates. While based in Sydney is preferred for hardware testing and integration, we welcome strong interstate candidates. This is a remote / hybrid position for candidates based in Australia, if you are outside Australia please apply here instead: https://app.dover.com/apply/Imitation%20Machines/0904943b-ec63-4152-9598-d487be8c3ac7/?rs=76643084

Primary location: Sydney, Australia

NotesImitation Machines is open to and welcomes collaborations with universities.

📌 Intern: Machine Learning (Imitation, RL) and Robotics Research Engineer — ? Filled · Accepting expressions of interest (Sydney)
🏢 Imitation Machines
📍 Sydney