Applied Research Scientist, 3D Object Detection (PhD New Grad)

Who you are

You are a recent PhD graduate with a strong foundation in machine learning and computer vision — your academic background has equipped you with the skills to tackle complex problems in 3D object detection. You have experience with Python and are familiar with developing algorithms that can learn from large datasets. Your research has likely involved working with spatial-temporal representations and understanding the semantic meanings of data, which aligns with our mission at Waymo.

You thrive in collaborative environments and are eager to work with cross-functional teams — your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly will help you integrate your research with practical applications in autonomous driving. You are passionate about using technology to improve mobility and safety on the roads, and you are excited about the opportunity to contribute to a project that has the potential to save lives.

Desirable

Experience with large-scale data analysis and model training is a plus — you understand the challenges of working with real-world data and are prepared to develop systems that can handle these complexities. Familiarity with simulation environments and autonomous vehicle technologies will also be beneficial as you work on optimizing models for our onboard and offboard hardware.

What you'll do

As an Applied Research Scientist at Waymo, you will be part of the Perception team, where you will develop methods for efficiently learning from large-scale real-world data. Your primary focus will be on 3D object detection, where you will analyze real-world behavior and create models that can accurately perceive the environment around our autonomous vehicles. You will collaborate with other research teams at Alphabet to ensure that your findings are integrated into the Waymo Driver, enhancing its capabilities.

You will conduct research to address real-world problems, leveraging millions of miles of driving data collected from diverse sensors. Your work will involve developing and optimizing models that can be deployed in real-time, ensuring that our vehicles can navigate safely and effectively in various environments. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the continuous improvement of our perception systems, making them more robust and reliable.

What we offer

Waymo offers a competitive salary range of $170,000 to $216,000 USD, along with participation in our discretionary annual bonus program and equity incentive plan. You will also benefit from a generous company benefits program, which includes health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Join us in our mission to create the world's most trusted driver and make a meaningful impact on the future of mobility.