Systems Engineer (Embodied AI)

[What the role is]

GovTech is the lead agency driving Singapore’s Smart Nation initiatives and public sector digital transformation. As the Centre of Excellence for Infocomm Technology and Smart Systems (ICT & SS), GovTech develops the Singapore Government’s capabilities in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Application Development, Smart City Technology, Digital Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity.

At GovTech, we offer you a purposeful career to make lives better where we empower our people to master their craft through robust learning and development opportunities all year round.

Play a part in Singapore’s vision to build a Smart Nation and embark on your meaningful journey to build tech for public good. Join us to advance our mission and shape your future with us today!

Learn more about GovTech at tech.gov.sg.

[What you will be working on]

We are seeking a highly independent Systems Engineer (Embodied AI) to lead the development of intelligent robotic systems within a dynamic, small robotics team. This role focusses on designing and deploying AI-driven robots capable of seamless interaction with built environments (e.g., lifts, turnstiles, doors) and navigating both dynamic and static obstacles in indoor as well as sheltered outdoor environments. The candidate will operate with minimal supervision, leveraging simulation platforms such as NVIDIA Isaac Sim or MuJoCo to drive innovation in embodied AI. The ideal candidate is a self-driven problem-solver with deep expertise in reinforcement learning, computer vision, sensor fusion, and sim-to-real deployment for resource-constrained devices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop Advanced Embodied AI Systems: Design and implement AI models integrating perception, reasoning, and action to enable robots to interact with building infrastructure and navigate complex environments. 

• Apply Reinforcement Learning: Use reinforcement learning to train robots for autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, and robust interaction in unpredictable real-world scenarios. 

• Implement Multi-Modal Perception: Develop algorithms to fuse data from cameras, LiDAR, ultrasonic sensors, and tactile sensors for robust environmental understanding and precise interaction with physical systems. 

• Leverage Simulation Platforms: Utilise NVIDIA Isaac Sim or MuJoCo to design, test, and train AI models, addressing the sim-to-real gap through techniques like domain randomisation or transfer learning. 

• Optimise for Edge Deployment: Deploy AI models on resource-constrained edge devices (e.g., edge GPUs), ensuring low latency, minimal power consumption, and high reliability. 

• Collaborate on System Integration: Work with systems engineers to integrate AI models with robotic platforms and building access systems for seamless functionality. 

• Lead and Innovate: Provide technical leadership and mentorship while contributing to the team’s strategic vision and fostering innovation. 

• Stay Current with Advancements: Stay at the forefront of embodied AI developments, including vision-language-action models and world models, to implement cutting-edge solutions. 

[What we are looking for]

Technical Requirements:

• Expertise in Python or C++ and proficiency with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch. 

• Strong knowledge of machine learning techniques (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement learning) and deep learning architectures (CNNs, RNNs, Transformers) with practical implementation experience. 

• Proficiency in ROS2 for robotic control, communication, and system integration. 

• Experience with multi-modal large models (MLMs), vision-language-action (VLA) models, or world models for embodied AI applications. 

• Familiarity with sim-to-real techniques such as domain randomisation or transfer learning for robust real-world deployment. 

• Knowledge of sensor integration (e.g., LiDAR, cameras, ultrasonic, tactile) and real-time data processing for environmental perception. 

• Proficiency in NVIDIA PhysX engine within NVIDIA Omniverse/Isaac Sim, focusing on rigid body dynamics, collision detection, and realistic physical interactions. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field. 

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in AI engineering or robotics, with a focus on embodied AI for autonomous systems. 

• Proven track record of deploying AI models in real-world robotic applications, preferably in built environments. 

• Extensive hands-on experience with reinforcement learning, computer vision, and sensor fusion for robotic navigation and interaction. 

• Proficiency with simulation platforms such as NVIDIA Isaac Sim or MuJoCo for training and testing robotic systems. 

• Experience optimising AI models for edge devices with constraints on power and computation. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with robotic interactions in built environments (e.g., lifts, turnstiles, doors) and navigation in indoor (offices, shopping centres) and sheltered outdoor settings. 

• Experience with advanced sim-to-real techniques, such as domain adaptation or generative modelling, to enhance real-world deployment. 

• Contributions to open-source robotics projects in embodied AI, reinforcement learning, or computer vision. 

Soft Skills 

• Highly independent and self-motivated, thriving in a fast-paced, small-team environment with minimal supervision. 

• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to innovate under uncertainty. 

• Strong communication skills, capable of collaborating with cross-functional teams and articulating complex technical concepts. 

• Proactive in staying updated with the latest research in embodied AI, robotics, and related fields. 

• Ability to mentor and inspire junior team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture. 

GovTech is the lead agency driving Singapore’s Smart Nation initiatives and public sector digital transformation. As the Centre of Excellence for Infocomm Technology and Smart Systems (ICT & SS), GovTech develops the Singapore Government’s capabilities in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Application Development, Smart City Technology, Digital Infrastructure, and Cybersecurity.

At GovTech, we offer you a purposeful career to make lives better where we empower our people to master their craft through robust learning and development opportunities all year round.

Play a part in Singapore’s vision to build a Smart Nation and embark on your meaningful journey to build tech for public good. Join us to advance our mission and shape your future with us today!

Learn more about GovTech at tech.gov.sg.