INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Machine Learning Applied Scientist (Co-op)

CompanyApera AI Inc
LocationVancouver
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJanuary 9, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The Machine Learning Applied Scientist (Co-op) will apply machine learning and computer vision techniques to develop 4D Vision Technology for industrial robots. Responsibilities include prototyping and evaluating vision models, translating research into production improvements, and enhancing synthetic data generation for model training.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
76
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Apera AI offers 4D Vision technology for industrial robotics, enabling faster, more reliable, and scalable manufacturing automation solutions.
About the Role
<div class="content-intro"><p>We are an innovative, Vancouver-based startup at the forefront of robotics, AI, and machine vision technologies. Backed by VC funding and we’ve been recognized with the 2025 Frost &amp; Sullivan Technology Innovation Leadership Award, the AAM Supplier Excellence Innovation Award, and the 2024 BC Tech “Company of the Year – Growth”, we are on a mission to redefine the future of AI-driven robotic vision systems.&nbsp; Apera AI helps manufacturers make their factories more flexible and productive. Robots enhanced with Apera’s software have 4D Vision – the ability to see and handle objects with human-like capability. Challenging applications such as bin picking, sorting, packaging, and assembly are now open to fast, precise, and reliable automation. Apera is led by an experienced team from high-growth companies focused on robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.</p></div><p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Role Overview</span></strong><strong><span data-contrast="auto"> &nbsp;</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Apera AI is seeking a Machine Learning Applied Scientist (Co-op) for 8 months term period to support the development of our 4D Vision Technology used by industrial robots to perform fast, precise tasks in manufacturing environments.</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">This role is based in-person at our Vancouver office.</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">In this role,&nbsp;you will&nbsp;apply machine learning and computer vision techniques to real-world challenges like robotic part picking and localization in structured, high-speed applications.&nbsp;You’ll&nbsp;prototype, evaluate, and improve models that are deployed on factory floors in industries such as automotive and industrial manufacturing.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Employee Value Proposition (EVP)</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Purpose</span></strong><strong><span data-contrast="auto"> : </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">You’ll&nbsp;contribute to the intelligence behind robotic systems that perform precise, high-speed automation tasks&nbsp;such as&nbsp;part picking and placement for stamped metal components or machined assemblies.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Growth: </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">You’ll&nbsp;gain hands-on experience applying academic concepts to production workflows&nbsp;and&nbsp;working with internal datasets, building robust models, and learning from system behavior in real deployments.</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Motivators: </span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">You’ll&nbsp;be part of a collaborative, fast-moving team, and see your models tested in simulation&nbsp;and on&nbsp;real industrial robots used in customer-facing solutions.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Major Objectives</span></strong><strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Prototype and Evaluate Vision Models Within the first 90 days, implement machine learning models for object detection, depth estimation, or 6-DoF pose estimation. Benchmark performance using internal datasets that reflect real manufacturing conditions. [Tools:&nbsp;PyTorch, internal GPU cluster, dataset tools]</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Translate Research into Production-Relevant Improvements Identify and prototype methods from recent ML or computer vision research. Adapt&nbsp;them to our application domain and evaluate them against production baselines. Document findings and trade-offs. [Focus: Model speed, stability, accuracy under varying lighting and part geometry]</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Enhance Synthetic Data Generation for Model Training Contribute improvements to the synthetic data generation pipeline,&nbsp;focusing on expanding variation in object shape, material, and pose. Help ensure the dataset supports model generalization across production use cases.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Critical Subtasks</span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Evaluate the ML Development Environment In your first month, review the current training and validation tools. Identify areas for performance or usability improvements and contribute one concrete change by mid-term.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Collaborate Cross-Functionally and Debug Model Issues Work with robotics and software engineers to understand deployment requirements and constraints.&nbsp;Assist&nbsp;in diagnosing issues with model performance&nbsp;observed&nbsp;during robotic testing or&nbsp;simulation, and&nbsp;help implement fixes or improvements.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Own and Deliver a Scoped ML Project Lead a focused initiative such as testing a new augmentation strategy, developing a lightweight evaluation tool, or experimenting with model modifications for improved robustness. Present outcomes with metrics and insights at the end of the term.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Support Research on a Strategic Vision Problem Join early investigations into longer-term capabilities, such as handling part occlusion or improving model&nbsp;behavior&nbsp;with similar-looking parts. Conduct benchmarking and literature review to inform future roadmap decisions.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Culture and Situation Fit</span></strong><strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">You’ll thrive if you value initiative, technical depth, and seeing data as a design lever, not just input. Apera AI is fast-paced, collaborative, and impact-driven. Engineers here build systems that make AI dependable in messy, real-world conditions</span><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span></strong><strong><span data-contrast="auto">You’ll&nbsp;thrive here if you:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Want to apply ML to real-world problems in industrial automation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Are excited to see your work influence how robotic systems are built and deployed.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Enjoy solving practical problems with research-informed tools.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Qualifications</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Proficiency&nbsp;in Python and machine learning frameworks (e.g.,&nbsp;PyTorch).</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Understanding of computer vision fundamentals (e.g., detection, segmentation, 3D geometry).</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Familiarity with model training, tuning, and evaluation workflows.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Interest in robotics or applying ML in production-grade software.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Bonus Experience (Not Required)</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience with synthetic data generation or tools like Blender.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Exposure to 6-DoF pose estimation, point cloud processing, or depth sensing.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience working in Linux or Docker-based environments.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Familiarity with AWS services used in ML development workflows (e.g., S3, EC2, SageMaker).</span></li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span data-ccp-props="{}">To apply:</span></span> </strong>Please ensure you upload both your resume and transcript, either combined into a single file or as separate files.</p> <ul> <li><strong data-start="127" data-end="137">Application Questions:</strong> Share how you think and solve problems through ten short questions, no memorization or trick questions.</li> <li><strong data-start="245" data-end="260">Assessment:</strong> After applying, you will be selected to complete a TestGorilla assessment and walk away with results you can reuse in any future job applications.</li> <li><strong data-start="356" data-end="371">Interviews:</strong> Take part in two one-hour conversations focused on real problem-solving, how you work, and what you want to learn from the co-op.</li> <li><strong data-start="506" data-end="527">Background Check:</strong> A brief check is completed as required before an offer.</li> <li><strong data-start="588" data-end="601">Timeline:</strong> Receive a decision within three to four weeks, so you can plan your journey with confidence.</li> <li><strong data-start="699" data-end="716">Human Review:</strong> Your application is reviewed by real engineers and people-team members who care about your growth.</li> </ul>
Key Skills
PythonMachine LearningComputer VisionObject DetectionDepth EstimationPose EstimationModel TrainingModel EvaluationRoboticsSynthetic Data Generation3D GeometryLinuxDockerAWSCollaborationProblem Solving
Categories
TechnologyEngineeringData & AnalyticsManufacturingSoftware