Position Overview
As the Engineering Talent Acquisition Lead at the AI Robot Association (AIRoA), you will take the lead in hiring outstanding engineers from both Japan and overseas. You will develop a deep understanding of the roles required to build a robot data ecosystem and to develop foundation models for robots, and manage the entire end-to-end hiring process: defining requirements, drafting job descriptions, selecting channels (agencies, direct sourcing, job boards, etc.), screening, managing candidate and agency communications, coordinating offers and closing, and ensuring a smooth onboarding. In particular, for international engineers, you will also conduct interviews and communication in English, and coordinate internally and externally on visa-related matters to drive global engineering recruitment.
【What Makes the "Head of Engineering Recruitment" Role at AIRoA Unique】
AIRoA is an organization that aims to build an open, large-scale robot data ecosystem and develop and release foundation models for robots by integrating AI and robotics technologies across industries. Our mission is to accelerate the realization and social implementation of advanced robots in collaboration with researchers and companies around the world, and engineers are the driving force behind this mission.
In this role, you will work directly with top-class engineers in Japan and abroad, constantly thinking about "what kind of background and experience will best strengthen AIRoA's technical capabilities" as you drive recruitment forward. You will be able to clearly see how the performance of the engineers you recruit directly contributes to the competitiveness of AI robotics originating from Japan.
【The Appeal of Taking on This Challenge at AIRoA, Just as We Are Getting Started】
Leading Japanese companies participate as members, and university and research institute researchers are involved as board members and special advisors, as we work to build a truly global ecosystem. As the person responsible for engineering recruitment in this environment, you will have the opportunity to design, from scratch, the "blueprint" for hiring processes, communication, and onboarding that assume not only domestic hiring but also recruitment of international engineers. This is a unique opportunity available precisely because AIRoA is just beginning full-scale activities in FY2025.
【Other】
While remote work is possible, this role is primarily expected to be office-based.
Most of our engineers and researchers also work on-site, conducting research and development directly in front of the robots.
【About AIRoA】
AIRoA was established in December 2024 with two core objectives: "to revolutionize the technology of robot development through the fusion of robots and AI" and "to promote the use of robots in society." While AI is rapidly advancing worldwide, the shortage of data in robot development has become a critical issue.
To address this challenge, we are running a national flagship project funded by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization), with an investment of over JPY 20 billion.
AIRoA is currently launching multiple R&D projects aimed at developing foundation models for robots and building a robot data ecosystem. To successfully execute these initiatives, we need engineers with diverse expertise, including machine learning, robotics, and systems development. Given the nature of our work, it is essential to hire not only domestic talent but also top global engineers from overseas.
At present, we are especially focused on strengthening our hiring of international engineers. With full-scale organizational expansion and deeper international collaboration on the horizon, we are now seeking a dedicated Engineering Recruiter who can professionally drive global engineering recruitment.
Your immediate mission will be to successfully close our current engineering hiring needs. In particular, for international engineers, you will take the lead in: developing and expanding sourcing channels, designing interview processes in English, structuring and negotiating offer terms, and establishing an end-to-end onboarding process that includes visa support and relocation assistance.
In the mid to long term, your role will expand into a more strategic scope, including: designing our talent portfolio in line with the technical roadmap, and building strong relationships with overseas communities, universities, and research institutions.
Ultimately, your mission will be to lay the foundation for AIRoA to build an engineering organization capable of competing on a truly global stage.
Requirements
Required Qualifications:
- 3+ years of experience in engineering recruitment (in-house at a business company, startup, etc.)
- Extensive hands-on experience in hiring international (non-Japanese) engineers
- End-to-end recruitment experience, including defining requirements, selecting channels, running the selection process, and closing offers
- Business-level English proficiency (capable of conducting online interviews and handling email communication in English)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience recruiting engineers in AI, machine learning, or robotics domains
- Recruitment experience leveraging relationships with overseas offices/subsidiaries or international universities
- Experience building talent pools through tech communities, conferences, open-source projects (OSS), etc
- Work experience in a multinational engineering organization, such as a startup or research institution
- Strong motivation to continuously stay up to date on the latest trends in AI, robotics, and the broader robotics industry
Benefits
We currently operate out of a spacious office and research facility of over 1,000 m² located in the Ryutsu Center area. In this space, our business teams and engineering teams work in close collaboration, advancing both day-to-day operations and R&D with AI robots always close at hand. The facility is frequently visited not only by members of the AI Robot Association, but also by engineers and researchers from partner companies and representatives from member companies. As a result, it serves as a hub where diverse experts at the forefront of AI and robotics gather and interact.
Today, highly skilled engineers and researchers from around the world are part of our organization. Some members have even relocated from overseas to Japan to join our projects on site. We aim to build a globally open R&D organization where diverse talent, regardless of nationality or background, come together, inspire one another, and shape the future.
People & Talent Development Programs
On-the-job training (OJT)
・Participation in external conferences, including overseas events
・Communication and management training
・Organizational development training
Internal Programs
・Performance reviews twice a year (every half year)
・In-house study sessions
・In-house library
・Support for external training programs
Benefits
・Support for book purchases
・Subsidies for lunch and light snacks
・Free drinks
・Commuting allowance (up to JPY 50,000 per month)
・Monthly company-wide events (AIRoA Circle, social gatherings)
・Family Day
・AIRoA-branded shirts and other items provided
