Research, Tinker, RL Systems

Thinking MachinesSan FranciscoResearch

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Opens the official Thinking Machines careers page

Salary

$350K - $475K USD

Job type

Full-time

Posted

16 Sept 2026

Status

Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Thinking Machines is seeking a talented professional for the Research, Tinker, RL Systems position based in San Francisco, California, or available remotely. This full-time opportunity invites candidates passionate about advancing artificial intelligence capabilities to build cutting-edge post-training engines and reinforcement learning infrastructure.

Role Overview

This position focuses on advancing frontier customization methods and shaping an industry-leading post-training engine. Professionals in this role will utilize a comprehensive understanding of training recipes, data pipelines, and core training systems. Team members collaborate closely with internal researchers, external partners, and open-science communities to expand the accessibility and efficiency of frontier artificial intelligence models.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement reinforcement learning algorithms and robust training systems spanning the entire technology stack, from high-level RL science down to lower-level numerics and kernels.

Optimize complex post-training pipelines and troubleshoot live reinforcement learning runs to ensure successful user outcomes.

Collaborate directly with advanced researchers and commercial clients who push the Tinker fine-tuning platform to its absolute limits.

Enhance platform performance and model quality by helping users achieve frontier-level results through custom data and algorithms.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor’s degree or possess equivalent practical experience in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Physics, Mathematics, or a closely related field featuring strong theoretical and empirical foundations.

Demonstrate proficiency in Python alongside familiarity with prominent deep learning frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.

Exhibit comfort with debugging distributed training setups and writing scalable code.

Provide clear written communication skills capable of explaining intricate technical concepts effectively.

Show a strong personal interest in advancing the Tinker platform and driving its utility and adoption.

Nice to Have

Possess a strong understanding of probability, statistics, and foundational machine learning principles to differentiate experimental signals from noise and software bugs.

Bring practical experience regarding reinforcement learning training stability techniques for large-scale runs.

Understand low-precision training and inference concepts, including numerics, quantization, and their effects on reinforcement learning.

Demonstrate hands-on involvement with large language model serving stacks such as vLLM, SGLang, TokenSpeed, or proprietary engines.

Show previous participation in scaling studies for large models or active contributions to open-source training and inference frameworks.

Hold a relevant PhD or equivalent industry research background in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline.

Skills and Tools

Python programming language

Deep learning frameworks including PyTorch, TensorFlow, and JAX

Large language models (LLMs)

Distributed training debugging and scalable code development

Reinforcement learning training stability and algorithm design

Low-precision training, quantization, and numerics

Salary and Benefits

Expected annual salary range spans from $350,000 to $475,000 USD, determined by background, skills, and experience.

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

Unlimited paid time off (PTO) policy.

Paid parental leave for eligible employees.

Relocation assistance provided as needed.

Visa sponsorship available for qualified candidates.

About the Company

Thinking Machines focuses on creating artificial intelligence systems designed to augment human judgment and will. The organization trains frontier models via Inkling, builds the Tinker fine-tuning API to democratize model customization, and crafts interfaces meant to improve human-AI communication. Grounded in an equal employment opportunity policy, the company welcomes diverse talent.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official Thinking Machines careers page to submit an application for this opportunity.

Skills and tech stack

Python PyTorch TensorFlow JAX LLM Deep Learning Machine Learning Fine-tuning

Questions candidates ask

What is the salary range for the Research, Tinker, RL Systems role?

The expected annual salary range is between $350,000 and $475,000 USD, depending on background, skills, and experience.

Is remote work permitted for this position?

Yes, the role supports remote work options while also maintaining a physical base in San Francisco, California.

Does Thinking Machines offer visa sponsorship?

Yes, the company sponsors visas and works with qualified candidates through the visa processing journey.

What benefits are included with employment?

Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, unlimited paid time off, paid parental leave, relocation support, and visa sponsorship.

What are the primary technical skills required?

Candidates must be proficient in Python, familiar with deep learning frameworks like PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX, and capable of debugging distributed training and writing scalable code.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Thinking Machines careers page.

Apply on company site