Full-Time

Staff AI Scientist

Machine Learning, Product Innovation

Posted on 4/22/2025

Tonal

Tonal

201-500 employees

Wall-mounted AI-powered home gym system

No salary listed

Toronto, ON, Canada + 1 more

More locations: San Francisco, CA, USA

In Person

Category
AI & Machine Learning (2)
,
Required Skills
Python
Data Science
Tensorflow
Pytorch
Machine Learning
Databricks
Data Analysis
Snowflake
Requirements
  • 7+ years of experience, or 5+ with a Master’s degree, or PhD with 3+ years of experience in applied machine learning or data science
  • Strong background in modeling time-series, human motion, or physical sensor data (e.g. force, velocity, pose estimation)
  • Proficient in Python, and familiar with ML frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow
  • Experience working with large datasets in modern environments like Databricks or Snowflake
  • Strong communicator who thrives in cross-functional settings and can simplify complex models for a product audience
  • Demonstrated ability to experiment rapidly, iterate thoughtfully, and deliver production-level code
Responsibilities
  • Design and build advanced machine learning models and algorithms that power personalized training, form feedback, and intelligent progression
  • Analyze movement patterns to identify fatigue, inefficiencies, or injury risk using real-world sensor data
  • Define new metrics for training effectiveness, effort, and performance beyond traditional volume or weight lifted
  • Apply self-supervised and transformer-based learning methods to extract insight from unlabeled or minimally labeled data
  • Prototype and productionize models that enhance Tonal’s coaching capabilities and member experience
  • Collaborate with Sports Science, Product, and Software teams to bring new intelligent features to life
  • Use analytics to validate model impact, guide feature design, and support continuous learning in deployed models
  • Mentor teammates and help shape Tonal’s long-term data science and AI roadmap
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience deploying ML models to real-time systems or edge devices
  • Experience with transformer architectures or self-supervised learning
  • Background in biomechanics, kinesiology, or sports science
  • Interest in fitness, performance training, or personalized coaching

Tonal makes a wall-mounted home gym that combines hardware and software to enable at-home strength training. The unit uses adaptive resistance up to 200 pounds and supports a library of more than 245 exercises, guided by AI-powered coaching. Sensors track movement and performance to deliver real-time, personalized workouts and progress tracking through a subscription app. Its goal is to provide a compact, high-personalization strength-training solution that eliminates the need for multiple weights or gym memberships while offering measurable results.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Late Stage VC

Total Funding

$580M

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2015

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Tony Horton returns April 3, 2026 with three new coaches expanding content for women's strength and endurance.[1]
  • Todd Bartee's PE expertise drives retail expansion through Johnson Fitness and deepens AI personalization.[2]
  • Pilates Loops partnership with Kristin McGee and sport-specific programs unlock adjacent revenue streams.[3]

What critics are saying

  • Frequent CEO turnover—three leaders in three years—signals execution instability and investor confidence erosion.[2]
  • Premium pricing ($3,995 hardware + $59.95/month) faces commoditization from free AI fitness apps.[4]
  • Retail expansion mirrors Lululemon's Mirror shutdown; high installation barriers limit volume conversion.[5]

What makes Tonal unique

  • AI-powered adaptive resistance adjusts weight in 1-lb increments across 245+ exercises automatically.[1][2]
  • 17 sensors provide real-time form coaching and strength curve analysis for personalized training.[1][6]
  • All-in-one wall-mounted system replaces 11+ gym equipment types in minimal space.[6]

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Benefits

Competitive compensation

Top quality health care package

Commuter benefits

Parental leave

Flexible vacation days

Weekly catered team lunches

Office happy hours

Team offsites & company-wide events

New equipment on your first day

Tonal discounts

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

1%

1 year growth

2%

2 year growth

0%
Athletech News
Mar 16th, 2026
Tonal Re-Signs Tony Horton, Expands Coaching Roster & Programming

Tonal re-signs Tony Horton, expands coaching roster & programming. March 16, 2026 1/3 free articles used this month. The at-home strength training brand is bringing back the P90X creator alongside three new coaches and a slate of new progressive programs. Tonal is expanding its coaching roster and programming lineup with one of the biggest names in fitness. The San Francisco-based connected fitness company announced that fitness industry veteran Tony Horton will return to the platform alongside three new coaches, while Tonal also prepares to launch a new series of structured training programs designed to help members build strength progressively over time. Tonal now serves more than 175,000 members and has continued to invest in new coaches and offerings to aid with member retention. In October, Tonal announced a new series from Kristin McGee, who expanded the platform's Pilates programming. Tony Horton headlines coaching expansion. Horton, who became one of the most recognizable figures in at-home fitness as the face of P90X, originally partnered with Tonal back in 2020. Horton's new programs will be released starting April 3 on Tonal platforms. "People are learning you can get a lot done in a short period of time," Horton said. "Exercise is hard, but the way these programs on Tonal are structured (keeps) people coming back. I'm 67 and I've never felt stronger or faster in my life, and I attribute much of that to training sustainably over time with tools on Tonal." Alongside Horton's return, Tonal will introduce three new coaches beginning May 4, each bringing a distinct background in strength, mobility and performance. Margaret Valenzuela focuses on helping women build strength across all stages of life. Her programming will emphasize lifting heavy and developing muscle through transitions such as perimenopause and menopause. Kenny Ferrer, a former minor league baseball player and yoga instructor, joins Tonal with a hybrid background that blends strength training with recovery and mindfulness. Alexandra Mack, a personal trainer and distance-running coach, brings an endurance-sports perspective to the platform. New long-term programs to deepen member engagement. Beyond the new coaching talent, Tonal is preparing to launch several structured programs designed to help members follow more intentional training plans and track progress over time. Upcoming releases include a 10-week HIIT and strength hybrid program led by coach Ackeem Emmons and an eight-week muscle-building program with coach Kendall "Woody" Wood. The company also plans to introduce advanced Pilates programming along with specialty strength programs designed for performance, mobility and longevity. Additional programming will focus specifically on female strength training, encouraging members to lift heavier weights while supporting strength development through different life stages including pregnancy and menopause. "This year's programming slate is incredibly intentional," said Jenna Moore, Tonal's senior manager of performance and talent. "We're building on the strength-first foundation members already love while introducing new coaches and structured programs that help them train with purpose and see real progress over time."

Business Wire
Mar 16th, 2026
Tony Horton returns to Tonal as fitness platform adds three new coaches and expands programming

Tonal, the intelligent strength training platform, has announced the return of fitness veteran Tony Horton alongside three new coaches and expanded programming. The company serves over 175,000 members and maintains industry-leading retention rates with consistent year-over-year growth. Horton's new programming launches 3 April, focusing on efficient strength training for healthy ageing and longevity. Three new coaches join the platform from 4 May: Margaret Valenzuela, specialising in strength training for women through perimenopause and menopause; Kenny Ferrer, blending strength with mindfulness and recovery; and Alexandra Mack, bringing athletic performance expertise. Tonal will introduce additional structured programmes including a 10-week HIIT and strength hybrid, an eight-week muscle-building programme, and advanced Pilates programming designed for strength, performance and longevity.

Athletech News
Feb 25th, 2026
Tonal Appoints L Catterton Partner as New CEO

Tonal appoints L Catterton partner as new CEO. February 25, 2026 1/3 free articles used this month. Todd Bartee takes over for darren MacDonald, who served as Tonal's CEO for 17 months. The appointment of a private equity veteran signals a new chapter for the home-gym giant. Tonal has named Todd Bartee as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately, the connected fitness company announced Wednesday. Bartee brings firsthand familiarity with Tonal, most recently serving as operating partner at L Catterton and working closely with the fitness company on strategy and operations. He is also the former CEO of Aquasana and CEO of Taxa Outdoors and has held senior sales and marketing roles at Dell Technologies. Founded in 2015 by serial entrepreneur Aly Orady, Tonal raised a $45 million Series C round led by L Catterton in 2019 for its smart at-home strength training machine that uses digital weight and on-screen instructors. In 2023, it raised $130 million in new capital through existing investors, again led by L Catterton. The private equity firm has also invested in Peloton and ClassPass. In September 2024, Tonal hired MacDonald, a former Petco executive, as its CEO. MacDonald succeeded Krystal Zell, who took over for Orady in April 2023. "Tonal has built something special by bringing together intelligent hardware, great coaching, and real strength data in one experience," Bartee said. "That foundation gives us a real advantage as we continue integrating software and AI more deeply into how people train." "I'm focused on making the product even more personalized and effective, expanding access through retail and helping more members build strength that lasts," he added. "We're just beginning to unlock what's possible." One retail partnership was announced last fall with Johnson Fitness & Wellness, allowing shoppers to test out Tonal's latest model, the Tonal 2, in more than 100 U.S. stores before purchasing. The company has also been working to broaden its appeal beyond hardcore strength training, bringing on Kristin McGee, a celebrity yoga and Pilates instructor, as a guest coach for a reformer-like Pilates experience using a new Pilates Loops accessory. "It has been an honor to serve our members and team," MacDonald said. "I am proud of what we've achieved together and confident that Todd will lead Tonal to even greater heights." Tonal's appointment of a private equity veteran as its new CEO echoes that of Purpose Brands. The holding company formed by the merger of Orangetheory Fitness and Anytime Fitness named Tom Leverton, a veteran CEO who most recently served as an operating partner at Pritzker Private Capital, as its chief executive in 2024.

Athletech News
Oct 14th, 2025
Inside Tonal's At-Home Pilates Push Led by Kristin McGee

Inside Tonal's at-home Pilates push led by Kristin McGee. Powered by adaptive resistance and led by popular instructor Kristin McGee, Tonal is aiming to bring the reformer Pilates experience into people's homes without the need for the machine itself. Smart home strength training brand Tonal is expanding into new territory with the launch of a reformer-inspired Pilates experience guided by celebrity instructor Kristin McGee. The launch marks the brand's first integration of personalized, reformer-like resistance into its connected fitness system. The new offering combines Tonal's patented digital weight technology with classes, bringing the feel of reformer Pilates to those who may find traditional studios intimidating or inaccessible. Using the brand's adaptive resistance and new Pilates Loops, an accessory available for $100, members can unlock a range of full-body workouts that automatically adjust to their strength levels in real time. "This is the next chapter in rethinking what's possible with smart strength training," explained Darren MacDonald, CEO of Tonal. "By combining Pilates with adaptive resistance, we're giving members a completely new way to train; one that's deeply effective, highly personalized, and only possible with Tonal's technology and seamless experience." McGee, one of the most recognized names in Pilates and yoga instruction, leads a curated selection of Tonal workouts designed to build stability, improve mobility and deepen mind-body connection. "Pilates has always been a tool to help ground me and build core stability, but reformer Pilates can be intimidating and it can be difficult to find a class, with availability, that works with your schedule," McGee said. "With Tonal's versatile offerings and personalized workout options, it's the natural evolution for my journey and for others looking to start or deepen their Pilates practice." A reformer Pilates feel without the machine. Tonal's Pilates experience includes 10 levels of digital resistance that emulate the feel of traditional reformer springs, automatically micro-adjusting to match each user's strength. Tonal's new Pilates Loops, made in partnership with Reformer Loops, feature a double-loop design and eco-conscious materials like water-resistant neoprene and recycled fibers for comfort and grip. The result is a workout that feels like a high-tech reformer, with McGee's guidance elevating the experience. To coincide with the launch, Tonal is debuting a new campaign titled "Progress Over Perfection," created by Flower Shop and directed by Leigh Powis. Shot in an infrared, documentary-style format, the campaign stars McGee in candid moments that highlight the real work behind personal growth. The Pilates push also comes as Tonal celebrates its ten-year anniversary. Following the launch of Tonal 2, the brand has introduced features such as Daily Lift, which delivers an adaptive daily workout powered by AI, and audio coaching cues that provide real-time guidance for better form. The launch also follows a major distribution deal with Johnson Fitness & Wellness, expanding Tonal's retail footprint to more than 100 U.S. locations. Pre-orders for the Tonal Pilates Loops began on October 14, with the full Pilates experience rolling out to all Tonal devices on November 17.

The Online Culture Channel
Sep 16th, 2024
Inspirato Partners with Tonal to Elevate Its Luxury Homes with Cutting-Edge Fitness Technology

Inspirato is excited to announce a new partnership with Tonal, the world's smartest strength training system, to install the innovative Tonal trainer in select Inspirato vacation homes.

INACTIVE