AI Research Engineer / Machine Learning Researcher

About the Role

We seek an AI Research Engineer to lead a funded FFplus project starting September 1st, in collaboration with the AI Center at RWTH Aachen. You will take charge of designing, implementing, and scientifically validating core AI innovations. Your work will focus on developing novel generative image models and training pipelines tailored specifically for architectural applications. The project emphasizes research on controllable generation methods based on regions and materials, positioning our platform uniquely in the market.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and enhancement of core AI architecture for generative image models specialized for architectural use cases.
• Develop, train, and optimize generative deep learning models including diffusion models, UNet architectures, transformer-based approaches, and latent diffusion models.
• Implement and evaluate fine-tuning and adaptation strategies such as LoRA, DreamBooth-like techniques, and domain-specific transfer learning.
• Conduct research on controllable generation mechanisms involving region-based control, material and texture conditioning, and context-aware image synthesis.
• Build and maintain scalable training and experimentation pipelines leveraging PyTorch, GPU clusters, and automation.
• Perform rigorous scientific validation of models using benchmarking, ablation studies, and both qualitative and quantitative evaluations.
• Curate and preprocess training and evaluation datasets within architectural contexts.
• Document research outcomes and methodological decisions to ensure reproducibility and ease of knowledge transfer.
• Collaborate closely with product, frontend, and backend teams to transfer research advancements into production-ready AI systems.
• Support technical aspects of grant applications and management for research funding programs such as EXIST, ZIM, and EU initiatives.
• Stay updated on latest developments in generative AI research and identify relevant opportunities for innovation.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Data Science, Computational Design, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in generative AI for images, particularly in training deep learning models.
• Hands-on or research experience with diffusion models, transformers, UNet architectures, latent diffusion models, and LoRA.
• Strong understanding of deep learning techniques, model architectures, training strategies, and evaluation methods.
• Familiarity with research workflows, reproducibility, and systematic model evaluation.
• Excellent analytical skills and a passion for bridging scientific research and product implementation.
• Independent, structured work approach with high intrinsic motivation to explore and mature new AI methods.

Benefits

• Long-term employment secured through funding grants.
• Opportunity to directly influence a cutting-edge deep-tech research initiative.
• Equity participation is negotiable and included as part of the compensation package.
• Potential to advance into a CTO position.
• Competitive salary with room for negotiation.

Additional Information

The project is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2026, with applications accepted immediately. The position is onsite at Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.