Shenzhen-based UBTech Robotics is making waves in the tech industry by offering an impressive salary of up to 124 million yuan (approximately $18 million) annually for a chief scientist focused on embodied intelligence. This ambitious recruitment initiative was announced via a global notice shared by the Hong Kong-listed company.
The salary range begins at 15 million yuan (around $2.18 million) and extends to a staggering 124 million yuan, confirming the figures reported by Global Times. The compensation package will include a combination of cash, benefits, and equity, according to a spokesperson from the company.
In its WeChat recruitment announcement, UBTech made it clear that it values talent over traditional barriers, stating, "We don’t care about passports, age, or gender. Just look at one thing: Can you define the future?" This statement underscores the company’s commitment to attracting top-tier talent in the field of humanoid robotics.
A High-Stakes Bet on Embodied Intelligence Talent
The position of Chief Scientist of Embodied Intelligence carries significant responsibilities. UBTech describes this role as being crucial for steering the company's technical direction and claims the new hire will be a "game-breaker in the humanoid robot industry." This scientist will be tasked with developing a technology roadmap for humanoid robots and embodied intelligence.
The responsibilities include leading research on vision-language-action models, foundational robot models, and dexterous skill learning. UBTech emphasizes that the new chief scientist will be expected to translate cutting-edge technology from theoretical research into practical applications, enhancing the use of humanoid robots in sectors like smart manufacturing, commercial services, and family companionship.
A company spokesperson highlighted the importance of this role, stating, "This position – as a leader in technological exploration and a driving force in turning vision into reality – will define UBTECH’s technology roadmap in the fields of humanoid intelligence and embodied intelligence." This showcases UBTech’s ambitious vision for its future in the robotics arena.
While UBTech’s recruitment efforts are garnering significant media attention, they are not the only player in the expanding humanoid robot sector. The market has seen explosive growth in 2026, partly due to high-profile events like CES and China’s Spring Festival Gala. Tesla, for instance, is also actively hiring, recently seeking over 80 specialists for its Optimus robot project. Nevertheless, UBTech’s aggressive compensation package stands out, particularly in a landscape where salaries for AI professionals in China have typically not reached such heights.
Coffee, Robots, and Billions in Revenue
UBTech’s recruitment strategy resembles a rallying cry more than a standard corporate advertisement. They are promoting the opportunity with the phrase, "The workers’ ceiling is coming!" In addition to the high-paying chief scientist position, UBTech is on the lookout for other roles, including Rust development engineers, mechanical engineers, and reinforcement learning algorithm engineers.
Job perks for potential candidates include quarterly paid sick leave, flexible working hours, public rental housing, and even unlimited coffee, making it an attractive proposition for talent in the field.
UBTech’s confidence is backed by impressive financials; in 2025, the company reported total revenue of 2.001 billion yuan. Their leadership in the humanoid robot market is evident, with 1,079 units of their full-size intelligent humanoid robots sold last year. With cash reserves of roughly 4.92 billion RMB, UBTech is well-positioned to support this ambitious talent acquisition strategy.
This recruitment drive marks a pivotal moment for UBTech and the humanoid robotics industry as a whole, with the potential to significantly advance the field of embodied intelligence. As the company continues to push the boundaries of technology, the hiring of a visionary chief scientist could redefine the landscape of humanoid robotics.
Source: eWEEK News