The Autonomy Behaviors team is responsible for producing our vehicle’s driving trajectory. As a Principal ML Engineer, you will lead the technical development of machine learning algorithms for our next-generation ML Planner. Your impact will range from delivering innovations for immediate milestones to pioneering exploratory projects. You will collaborate closely with teams specializing in Foundation Models, Perception, Simulation, and Safety Validation, in influencing our autonomy stack. Your role will look at problems in a way that crosses team boundaries to prototype new approaches that influence the long term technical direction of multiple organizations within the company.

In this role, you will:

Set the technical direction of ML development for the future of our Planner
Push the frontiers of imitation learning, reinforcement learning, and model scaling to develop new ML models for our onboard Planner
Identify and drive force-multipliers for ML development, including metrics, data, and training frameworks
Develop new methods to leverage Zoox’s Foundation Models into the ML Planner
Provide technical mentorship to the broader group of ML developers at Zoox
Collaborate with engineers across Autonomy Software, Simulation, System Design and Mission Assurance, and other departments to solve the overall Autonomous Driving problem in complex urban environments

Qualifications

BS, MS, or PhD degree in computer science or related field
Proven track record of technical leadership in large-scale AI organizations
Significant experience with training and deploying Deep Learning models to production
Fluency in C++ or Fluency in Python with a basic understanding of C++
Extensive experience with programming and algorithm design-Strong mathematics skills-10+ years of experience

Bonus Qualifications

Conference or Journal publications in Machine Learning or Robotics related venues
Prior experience with Prediction and Planning for autonomous vehicles

$375,000 - $475,000 a year

Base Salary Range

There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

About Zoox

Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to accommodations@zoox.com or your assigned recruiter.

A Final Note:

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Principal Software Engineer - Autonomy Behaviors