Applied Scientist II, Reinforcement Learning

Amazon is hiring an Applied Scientist II, Reinforcement Learning. It pays $143k-$193k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Amazon.

Level's read on this job

On Level's scale, this applied scientist role is Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
The posting mentions PyTorch, Isaaclab and Mujoco among its tools and skills.
Level classes it as a senior role.
Amazon has 20,000+ other open roles on Level.

AI in this role

Applied Scientist II developing reinforcement learning and deep learning models for next-generation advanced robotics systems.

PyTorchIsaaclabMujocoDrake

reinforcement-learningdeep-learningroboticswhole-body-control

Amazon is seeking exceptional talent to help develop the next generation of advanced robotics systems that will transform automation at Amazon's scale. We're building revolutionary robotic systems that combine cutting-edge AI, sophisticated control systems, and advanced mechanical design to create adaptable automation solutions capable of working safely alongside humans in dynamic environments. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of robotics and automation at an unprecedented scale, working with world-class teams pushing the boundaries of what's possible in robotic dexterous manipulation, locomotion, and human-robot interaction. This role presents an opportunity to shape the future of robotics through innovative applications of deep learning and large language models.

At Amazon we leverage advanced robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to solve complex operational challenges at an unprecedented scale. Our fleet of robots operates across hundreds of facilities worldwide, working in sophisticated coordination to fulfill our mission of customer excellence.

The ideal candidate will contribute to research that bridges the gap between theoretical advancement and practical implementation in robotics. You will be part of a team that's revolutionizing how robots learn, adapt, and interact with their environment.

Join us in building the next generation of intelligent robotics systems that will transform the future of automation and human-robot collaboration.

Key job responsibilities
- Design and implement whole body control methods for balance, locomotion, and dexterous manipulation
- Utilize state-of-the-art in methods in learned and model-based control
- Create robust and safe behaviors for different terrains and tasks
- Implement real-time controllers with stability guarantees
- Collaborate effectively with multi-disciplinary teams to co-design hardware and algorithms for loco-manipulation
- Mentor junior engineer and scientists

Basic qualifications

- PhD, or Master's degree and 2+ years of CS, CE, ML or related field experience
- Experience with imitation learning and reinforcement learning for whole-body control
- Experience with methods such as hierarchical quadratic programming and model-predictive control
- Experience with simulation environments such as IsaacLab, Mujoco, Drake, etc.
- Experience with developing and deploying code for real-time controllers
- Experience in state estimation from multiple sensor modalities

Preferred qualifications

- Experience in Java, C++, Python, or a related language
- Experience working effectively across cross-functional teams and partnering well with people at all levels within an organization
- PhD in Robotics, with a focus on whole-body control
- Experience with low-level joint torque/impedance control
- Experience with teleoperation systems
- Experience with robotics frameworks for fast prototyping (Matlab, ROS, etc.)

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, MA, N.Reading - 142,800.00 - 193,200.00 USD annually

How we rate this

Applied Scientist II, Reinforcement Learning at Amazon rates 95 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Applied Scientist II, Reinforcement Learning is an open job at Amazon.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed salary is $143k-$193k a year.
The role is based in US, MA, N.reading.
The job was posted on September 9, 2026.
Seniority: senior.
Applications are handled by Amazon. Apply on Amazon

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Reinforcement learningDeep learningRoboticsWhole Body ControlPyTorchIsaaclabMujocoDrake

Also common in applied scientist jobs at this level

Generative AI NLP TensorFlow Spark AWS Computer vision

Pay

This job starts at: $143k
Typical applied scientist job: $167k

This posting starts 15% below the typical applied scientist job. See applied scientist jobs

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where reinforcement learning was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where deep learning was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where robotics was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where whole body control was part of your work. What did you do?
Walk me through how you've used PyTorch in your day-to-day work.

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Reinforcement learning, Deep learning, Robotics, Whole Body Control, and PyTorch. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.

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