2027 Summer Intern, PhD, Learning-Based Behavior for Special Vehicles
About this role
Researchers and software engineers who thrive on tackling complex challenges in robotics and autonomous systems will find a natural fit within this team. Waymo is advancing fully autonomous driving technology by developing the Waymo Driver to improve mobility and safety. Working alongside industry leaders, the chosen intern will build simulation benchmarks, prototype learning-based behavior policies, and integrate multi-modal perception semantics for special vehicles.
This summer internship exists to develop emerging talent while contributing directly to core autonomous driving capabilities. Success in this position requires a strong academic background in computer science, robotics, or machine learning, coupled with hands-on technical proficiency in modern deep learning frameworks and programming languages.
What you will do
- Prototype learning-based behavior policies for autonomous platforms.
- Integrate multi-modal perception semantics into the software stack.
- Build simulation benchmarks and counterfactual suites to test driving scenarios.
- Inspect 3D driving trajectories to evaluate and refine vehicle performance.
What you need
- Currently pursuing a PhD degree in computer science, robotics, or machine learning.
- Demonstrated experience in reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or trajectory forecasting.
- Proficiency in Python, PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow.
- Software development skills in C++ or Python.
Nice to have
- Top publications in relevant venues such as CoRL, RSS, or ICRA
- Experience with transformer trajectory generation
- Familiarity with autonomous simulation frameworks
Benefits
- Eligible to participate in the company's generous benefits programs, subject to eligibility requirements
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the remote work policy for this internship?
This will be a hybrid onsite internship position located in Mountain View, California.
What is the compensation for this role?
The expected hourly rate for this full-time position is $85 USD.
How does the hiring process work?
Resumes are accepted on a rolling basis until the role is filled. To be in consideration for multiple roles, candidates must apply to each one individually.
What will I work on during the internship?
Interns partner with industry leaders on projects that create impact, which include prototyping learning-based behavior policies, integrating multi-modal perception semantics, building simulation benchmarks, and inspecting 3D driving trajectories.