2026 Summer Intern, PhD, Research, Perception Foundation Models

Who you are

You are a PhD student with a strong foundation in machine learning and a keen interest in autonomous driving technologies. Your academic background has equipped you with knowledge in generative modeling and reinforcement learning, and you are eager to apply this in a practical setting. You have experience in conducting research and are comfortable collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals. You are passionate about improving mobility and safety through innovative technology, and you are excited about the opportunity to contribute to Waymo's mission.

Desirable

Experience with self-supervised learning techniques or foundational models would be a plus. Familiarity with programming languages such as Python and frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch will enhance your ability to implement and evaluate models effectively. You are open to learning and adapting to new technologies and methodologies as needed.

What you'll do

As a Summer Intern at Waymo, you will research and implement self-supervised pretraining methods for large foundational 3D perception models. You will collaborate closely with both research and engineering teams to enhance Waymo's foundational models, ensuring they meet the high standards required for autonomous driving applications. Your work will involve evaluating the effectiveness of different approaches and potentially communicating your findings to the wider academic community through technical reports. You will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research that directly impacts the future of autonomous vehicles, contributing to the safety and efficiency of transportation.

What we offer

Waymo provides a supportive environment for interns, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in a leading autonomous driving technology company. You will receive mentorship from experienced professionals in the field, helping you to grow your skills and knowledge. The expected hourly rate for this full-time internship is $85, and you will also be eligible to participate in the company’s generous benefits programs, subject to eligibility requirements. This internship is a unique opportunity to work on meaningful projects that have the potential to save lives and transform mobility.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every requirement. Join us in our mission to make the world’s roads safer and more accessible through innovative technology.