ML Engineering Manager (AI, Robotics)

TL;DR

ML Engineering Manager (AI, Robotics): Spearheading a new Japan-based Application Engineer team to localize and advance autonomous driving technology for the Japanese market with an accent on robotics, machine learning, and systems integration. Focus on driving development of autonomy features tailored for Japan’s road infrastructure, cultural driving behaviours, and regulatory landscape, ensuring AV stack performs safely and effectively.

Location: Hybrid in Yokohama, Japan. Must be based in Japan.

Company

hirify.global is a leading developer of Embodied AI technology, creating advanced AI software and foundation models to enhance the usability and safety of automated driving systems.

What you will do

• Build and lead a self-sufficient AV development team in Japan, hiring and mentoring top talent across robotics and ML.
• Deliver autonomy capabilities tailored to Japanese road conditions and driving norms, in close collaboration with central Autonomy teams.
• Act as the primary technical and operational bridge between the Japan office and HQ, aligning roadmaps and communicating local insights.
• Drive full-cycle development from identifying local autonomy needs to deploying features into production.
• Work closely with OEM partners in Japan, representing hirify.global’s autonomy team in technical discussions and shaping joint development plans.
• Establish close working relationships with product and vehicle operations teams in Japan.

Requirements

• Strong background in robotics and autonomy, with experience building and deploying systems in real-world environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and grow high-performing engineering teams, ideally in geographically distributed or independent settings.
• Comfortable with ambiguity, capable of defining goals, carving out roadmaps, and delivering high-impact work with minimal supervision.
• Broad technical fluency, capable of reviewing and guiding work across software engineering, ML, controls, and systems integration.
• Excellent communication skills to convey technical context and strategic vision across cultures and time zones.
• Strong product sense and stakeholder management skills, comfortable interfacing directly with OEM customers.

Nice to have

• Prior experience in autonomous vehicles or robotic systems operating at scale.
• Familiarity with Japan’s road environment, driving behaviour, or AV regulatory landscape.
• Strong foundation in machine learning and its application to real-time decision-making or perception systems.
• Japanese language proficiency.

Culture & Benefits

• Operate a hybrid working policy combining office time for innovation, culture, and learning, and time spent working from home.
• Opportunity to determine a flexible schedule with core working hours.
• Work in a fast-paced environment that embraces complex challenges.
• Committed to creating a diverse, fair, and respectful culture.
• Value diversity, embrace new perspectives, and foster an inclusive work environment.