Applied Scientist/Machine Learning Engineer

Who you are

• 4+ years of experience in ML research/engineering with a focus on generative video, world models
• Deep knowledge in diffusion & latent-video models; track record of improving sampling efficiency or model throughput
• Experience working with high-dimensional temporal or spatial-temporal data (e.g., video, multi-sensor fusion)
• Strong Python and PyTorch engineering fundamentals, and experience building research-grade production tools
• Strong publication record or contributions to open-source ML tooling
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, innovative, interdisciplinary team environment
• Experience in AVs, robotics, simulation, or other embodied AI domains
• Experience working with synthetic-to-real transfer

What the job involves

• This role would sit within Simulation focusing on unlocking disruptive innovation that solves self-driving
• We believe the next leap in autonomy comes from a world model that is faithful enough, and fast enough, to train and evaluate driving models in closed loop — not only to replay logs
• As a Machine Learning Engineer in the Simulation team, you’ll play a key role in developing next-generation world models and planners that can simulate complex, diverse, and temporally consistent driving environments
• These generative simulation models (like GAIA) will power faster training, broader testing, and scalable deployment—even in areas and scenarios we’ve never driven in before
• As we push toward the next generation of GAIA, efficiency and interactivity become a great focus area: models must run thousands of roll-outs per second, support closed-loop agent interaction and fit within practical compute budgets. This role will lead that leap
• You’ll work at the intersection of machine learning research, multi-modal modeling, and real-world deployment tackling questions like:
• How can we deploy AVs in a new geography without collecting any real-world data?
• Can synthetically generated environments fully replace physical testing and data collection?
• You will be a senior technical contributor inside Simulation, the team that incubates breakthrough ideas for Wayve. Your mandate:
• Invent next-generation, efficient generative world-models (diffusion, transformer or hybrid) that deliver real-time roll-outs and controllable scene editing
• Architect interactive world models where agents (or humans) can step the model, enabling reinforcement learning, planning and safety evaluation loops
• Optimise end-to-end performance – from latent compression to context pruning your aim is to reduce inference latency by orders of magnitude
• Define robust metrics for long-horizon coherence, physics fidelity and planner integration; run ablations and scaling studies to understand trade-offs
• Ship impact: integrate your models into closed-loop training and evaluation, and measure the sim-to-real gap against on-road driving-model results
• Mentor & influence: guide junior researchers, shape technical road-maps, publish at top venues and represent Wayve in the community
• Challenge assumptions and drive innovation: propose bold ideas, conduct ablation studies, and question conventional approaches to training and evaluation
• Work on transformative technology with real-world impact on mobility, safety, and AI
• Access massive driving datasets, cutting-edge infrastructure, and world-class research talent
• Be part of a high-trust, high-autonomy team that values creativity, experimentation, and deep thinking
• Publish, share, and shape the future of generative AI for autonomy

Benefits

• Private healthcare: Choose our optional health insurance for comprehensive coverage for you and your family.
• Paid time off: Paid vacation plus public holidays and additional leave programs, ensuring you have time to unwind.
• Mental health resources: Through Spill, you can access therapy and mental health support.
• Community and socials: Join clubs or attend team socials to connect over hobbies, sports, or just for fun.
• Competitive compensation: Our compensation package includes cash and equity, making you a true partner in our success.
• Learning and development: Budgets for books, courses, and company-wide training to support your continuous growth.