jobdescription_image_2x.png

2026 Intern, PhD, Machine Learning Engineer, Simulation

Mountain View, California, United States Intern Software Engineering 3752

Apply now

2026 Intern, PhD, Machine Learning Engineer, Simulation

  • 3752
  • On Site
  • Mountain View, California, United States
  • Software Engineering
  • Intern

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World's Most Experienced Driver™—to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.

The Waymo Simulation team builds state-of-the-art simulations of realistic environments for testing and training the Waymo Driver, which is Waymo's autonomous driving technology. They develop industry-leading simulation solutions using advanced machine learning algorithms to measure and enhance the performance of the Waymo Driver. Waymo interns work with leaders in the industry on projects that deliver significant impact to the company. We believe learning is a two-way street: applying your knowledge while providing you with opportunities to expand your skillset. Interns are an important part of our culture and our recruiting pipeline. Join us at Waymo for a fun and rewarding internship!

This internship will be based on-site at our headquarters in Mountain View, CA.

You will:

  • Research, implement, and evaluate state-of-the-art generative models and advanced sampling techniques for ultra-realistic multi-agent simulations and full fidelity scenario generation.
  • Collaborate with research and engineering teams to integrate models into Waymo's simulation and verification workflows, applying cutting-edge VL and ML efficiency technology.
  • Contribute to projects that evaluate and improve world modeling of high fidelity sensor data for Waymo's E2E AI-first Driver, with opportunities to publish novel research.

You Have:

  • Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Strong publication record in top-tier AI/ML or VL conferences and demonstrated expertise in AI Architecture, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, High Performance Computing, Compilers, and/or Computer Architecture.
  • Hands-on experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX) and ML coding, proficiency in Python and/or C/C++

We Prefer:

  • Experience with large-scale model training, including large diffusion models, world modeling, foundational models, ML modeling and system design and experience in 3D Vision, including 3D or 4D Gaussian Splatting, 3D Assets Generation, etc.
  • Proficiency in ML frameworks like Jax, XLA, and/or TPU, and contributions to relevant open-source projects.
  • Demonstrated expertise in research domains such as Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Distributed systems, AI Architecture, and familiarity with 3DGS/NeRF technologies.
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
$60.10—$60.10 USD

We appreciate your interest in Waymo. Waymo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a culture of belonging and maintaining a supportive workplace for all employees. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, and employment decisions are based on a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and alignment with job requirements and business needs. Waymo does not discriminate against, and prohibits harassment of, any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, military status, family status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable law. Waymo will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. Waymo is committed to making sure our hiring process is accessible for all candidates. If you need assistance applying for a role or participating in the interview process due to a disability, please let the recruiting team know or email waymo-candidatesupport@google.com. (This email address is intended to be used only for requesting accommodations as part of the application process. Other inquiries will not receive a response.)

Some of our Benefits

Health and wellness

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. At Waymo, you can enjoy top-notch medical, dental and vision insurance, mental wellness support, gym membership, and special wellness programs.

Financial wellness

Your financial peace of mind is important to us. At Waymo, we offer competitive compensation, bonus opportunities, equity, employees provident fund, and lots of other perks and employee discounts.

Flexibility and time off

Take the time you need to relax and recharge. Enjoy the flexibility to work from another location for four weeks per year. We support an on-site or hybrid work model and offer remote working opportunities, paid time off, bereavement, sick, and parental leave. 

Supporting families

When it comes to growing your family or caring for your loved ones, you have our full support. Enhanced leave options include 26 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents and 18 weeks of paid leave for non-birthing parents.

Community and personal development

At Waymo, you'll find a range of opportunities to grow, connect, and give back. We offer education reimbursement, personal and professional development, mentorship, and other ways to connect through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), other internal groups, and even time off to volunteer.

Cool perks

Access to Google offices, cafes, wellness centers, massages, and so much more. To support your wellbeing at home, you can enjoy at-home fitness and cooking classes, and more.

Ready to Apply?

 

To ensure thorough consideration of each application, candidates may submit up to 5 job applications within a 60-day period. We encourage you to carefully review job descriptions and apply to positions that best match your skills. Applications beyond this limit will not be considered.

Check this box to join the talent community and sign up for job alerts

Not You?

We have emailed you a code to verify your identity. Please check your spam/junk folder if you don't receive the email in your inbox.

Thank you