Waymo

2027 Summer Intern, PhD, Planner Machine Learning

Waymo • $176K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Machine Learning or a related field.
  • Strong proficiency in Python and at least one modern deep learning framework (e.g., JAX or PyTorch).
  • Solid mathematical foundation in deep learning, optimization, and model diagnostics.
  • Experience with ML experiments on large-scale datasets.

Responsibilities

  • Research and implement novel deep learning architectures in Python and Jax.
  • Train and diagnose large-scale neural networks using distributed TPU infrastructure.
  • Analyze training dynamics and model representation quality.
  • Evaluate models on open-loop and closed-loop benchmarks.
  • Connect modeling choices to physical driving scenarios.

Benefits

  • Generous benefits programs for eligible interns.
  • Opportunity for hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology in autonomous driving.
  • Work in a hybrid model with potential for onsite collaboration.
Full Job Description
You will:
  • Research, design, and implement novel deep learning architecture, multi-task loss formulations, and preference/ranking objectives in Python and Jax for Waymo's Large Selection model.
  • Train and diagnose large-scale neural network using distributed TPU infrastructure, analyzing training dynamics, gradient conditioning and representation quality.
  • Evaluate trained models across open-loop and closed-loop benchmarks, triaging real-world driving scenarios to connect mathematical modeling choices with physical vehicle behavior.


You have:
  • Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Machine Learning or a related quantitative field.
  • Strong hands-on proficiency in Python with at least one modern deep learning framework (e.g., JAX, PyTorch).
  • Solid mathematical foundation in deep learning, optimization, loss formulation and empirical model diagnostics.
  • Experience designing, running, and analyzing rigorous ML experiments on large-scale datasets.


We prefer:
  • Track record of first-author publications at top-tier ML, robotics, or vision venues (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CoRL, ICRA, CVPR, etc).
  • Experience with transformer architectures, post-training/preference alignment, or sequential decision making.
  • Familiarity with autonomous driving and motion planning.
  • Experience with C++ or navigating large-scale production ML cobebases and distributed data pipelines.


Note: This will be a hybrid onsite internship position. We will accept resumes on a rolling basis until the role is filled. To be in consideration for multiple roles, you will need to apply to each one individually - please apply to the top 3 roles you are interested in.

The expected hourly rate for this full-time position is listed below. Interns are also eligible to participate in the Company's generous benefits programs, subject to eligibility requirements.

Hourly PhD Pay

$85-$85 USD

About Waymo

Waymo LLC is a self-driving technology development company. It is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. Waymo develops autonomous driving technology and provides ride-hailing services through its Waymo One program. The company has been testing its self-driving technology on public roads since 2009 and has logged millions of miles of autonomous driving. Waymo has partnerships with several automakers and has been working on developing autonomous trucks for use in logistics.
Learn more about Waymo
Size
2,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2009

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Waymo

More Consumer Technology Jobs

Find similar 2027 Summer Intern, PhD, Planner Machine Learning jobs: