General Motors

2027 Summer Intern - AI/ML Engineer, Autonomous Vehicles: Simulation (PhD)

General Motors • $147K — $175K *
Sunnyvale, CA 94087In-Person
Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in a PhD program in computer science, AI, machine learning, robotics, or related STEM field.
  • At least one additional quarter/semester of school remaining after the internship.
  • Demonstrated AI/ML research experience through publications or projects.
  • Strong understanding of modern machine learning and deep learning methods.
  • Proficient in Python with experience in ML frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow.
  • Experience in designing experiments and analyzing results.
  • Strong programming and debugging skills.

Responsibilities

  • Research and prototype advanced machine learning methods for various applications.
  • Design, train, evaluate, and improve models using large-scale multimodal data.
  • Build data pipelines and experimentation workflows for rapid model iteration.
  • Validate models through simulation and performance analysis.
  • Optimize models for scalability and deployment constraints.
  • Collaborate with engineering and research teams to integrate prototypes into systems.
  • Document findings and contribute to research publications.

Benefits

  • Paid US GM Holidays
  • GM Family First Vehicle Discount Program
  • Potential for growth within GM
  • Intern events for networking with leaders and peers
Full Job Description
Job Description
About the role

As a PhD AI/ML Engineering Intern within General Motors' Autonomous Vehicles organization, you will advance reliable AI/ML capabilities by translating deep research into validated, production-oriented systems. Your work may support perception, prediction, planning, decision-making, embodied AI, simulation, sensor understanding, mapping, or large-scale model development. You will work with real-world driving and sensor data, modern machine learning methods, and autonomous vehicle evaluation environments. You will collaborate with researchers and engineers to design experiments, build and assess models, investigate failure cases, and integrate promising approaches into broader AV systems.

What you'll do
  • Research and prototype advanced machine learning methods for perception, prediction, planning, or decision-making.
  • Design, train, evaluate, and improve models using large-scale multimodal driving and sensor data.
  • Build data pipelines, experimentation workflows, and evaluation tools for rapid model iteration.
  • Validate models through simulation, testing, performance analysis, and failure-case investigation.
  • Optimize models and systems for scalability, latency, reliability, and deployment constraints.
  • Collaborate with engineering and research partners to integrate prototypes into autonomous vehicle systems.
  • Document findings, present technical insights, and contribute to publications or other research outputs.

Required qualifications
  • Currently enrolled full-time in a PhD program in computer science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, or a related STEM field.
  • Must have at least one additional quarter/semester of school remaining following the completion of the internship
  • Demonstrated depth of AI/ML research through publications, research projects, advanced coursework, or equivalent technical work.
  • Strong understanding of modern machine learning and deep learning methods.
  • Proficiency in Python and hands-on experience with an ML framework such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.
  • Experience designing experiments, analyzing results, and applying quantitative problem-solving methods.
  • Strong programming, debugging, and software development fundamentals.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across research and engineering disciplines.
  • Availability to work full-time, 40 hours per week, during the internship period.

Preferred qualifications
  • Candidates are not expected to meet every qualification listed below. Depending on the needs of a specific Autonomous Vehicles team, a combination of these skills and areas of knowledge may be relevant.
  • Conduct research in autonomous vehicles, ADAS, robotics, computer vision, or embodied AI.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of foundation models, transformers, generative and diffusion models, or vision-language architectures.
  • Apply multimodal learning techniques to camera, lidar, radar, or other sensor data.
  • Use self-supervised, imitation, reinforcement, or deep reinforcement learning methods.
  • Train models on large-scale datasets using distributed, parallel, or high-performance computing environments.
  • Develop ML systems, data pipelines, experimentation frameworks, or production-oriented model infrastructure.
  • Validate models through simulation, closed-loop environments, or real-world driving scenarios.
  • Apply expertise in trajectory prediction, behavior planning, motion planning, perception, mapping, or structured scene understanding.
  • Program in C++ or other systems programming languages.
  • Optimize models and systems using GPU programming, CUDA, accelerator frameworks, or performance profiling.
  • Apply numerical optimization, statistical estimation, probabilistic modeling, and systems-level tradeoff analysis.
  • Demonstrate a strong research record through first-authored publications, grants, fellowships, patents, or open-source contributions.

Compensation:

The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.

  • The salary range for this role is $12,300-$14,600 per month. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
  • GM will provide a one-time lump sum taxable stipend payment to eligible students selected for the 2027 Student Program - to help facilitate administration of relocation benefits, please apply using the permanent address you would move from.


What you'll get from us (Benefits):
  • Paid US GM Holidays
  • GM Family First Vehicle Discount Program
  • Result-based potential for growth within GM
  • Intern events to network with company leaders and peers


Work Arrangement:
  • Start dates for this internship role are May 24th and June 14th of 2027.
  • Assignments will be based on team placement to ensure interns are located with their working team and leader.
  • Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to their designated work location three times per week, at minimum.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who drive success at General Motors.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at General Motors

More Transportation Jobs

Find similar 2027 Summer Intern - AI/ML Engineer, Autonomous Vehicles: Simulation (PhD) jobs:

NationwideSunnyvale, CA