Machine Learning Engineer - Semantic Reasoning (Highway)

Posted 25 Days Ago
2 Locations
Hybrid
189K-258K Annually
Mid level
Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software • Transportation • Design • Manufacturing
Zoox is an autonomous mobility company that’s created a purpose-built robotaxi to give the world a better way to ride.
The Role
The role involves training and deploying deep learning models for semantic reasoning in autonomous vehicles, focusing on highway environments and optimizing systems for real-time performance.
Summary Generated by Built In

The Scene Understanding Semantic Reasoning team at Zoox builds the high-performance reasoning engines that allow our autonomous vehicles to navigate complex driving environments and high-speed roads. We translate sensor data and detected objects into deep semantic understanding, ensuring our robots make human-level decisions in real-time.

We are seeking experienced engineers passionate about the intersection of robotics and cutting-edge AI. In this role, you will focus on critical initiatives alongside partner Perception and motion planning teams to develop production-grade multi-task transformers, and integrate cutting-edge Vision Language Action (VLA) model outputs to build comprehensive spatial representations for our fleet. You will tackle the inherent unpredictability of urban driving on highways & freeways to improve range and accuracy, ensuring our vehicles remain safe and resilient at all times.

In this role, you will...

  • Model Training & Deployment: Design, train, and deploy deep learning models for semantic reasoning, specifically tailored to achieve the extended spatial range and high fidelity required for high-speed highway environments.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with the Scene Intelligence, Semantic Grounding, and PCP Mapping teams to adapt and elevate the unified machine learning stack for highway scenarios.

  • Requirements & Validation: Partner with downstream motion planning teams to define semantic representation requirements, establish robust validation workflows, and ensure model outputs meet strict safety and clearance metrics.

  • Optimization: Optimize deep learning models for real-time inference efficiency, ensuring low-latency execution within the rigorous compute constraints of the Zoox vehicle platform.

  • Edge Case Resolution: Investigate and resolve perception-related regressions and edge cases found in high-speed driving simulations and live fleet data.

  • Strategic Architecture: Contribute to the long-term "North Star" architecture for Perception Semantic Reasoning, paving the way for scalable fleet deployment across new vehicle platforms.

Qualifications

  • MS (3–5 years) or PhD (0–2 years) in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with professional software engineering experience — ideally in autonomous driving, robotics, or computer vision.

  • Deep understanding of 2D/3D computer vision, semantic segmentation, and deep learning architectures.

  • Exceptional programming skills in modern C++ and Python.

  • Hands-on experience with modern deep learning frameworks like JAX or PyTorch.

  • Proven track record of deploying real-time machine learning models on resource-constrained embedded systems or on-bot hardware.

Bonus Qualifications

  • Prior experience dealing with highway autonomous driving scenarios and their specific mapping/perception challenges.

  • Familiarity with state-of-the-art, BEV, Sparse Transformer architectures and Vision-Language Models (VLMs).

  • Strong publication record in top AI conferences or journals (e.g., CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, ICML, NeurIPS).

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.

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Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [email protected] 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.

Skills Required

  • MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • 3-5 years of professional software engineering experience, ideally in autonomous driving, robotics, or computer vision
  • Deep understanding of 2D/3D computer vision, semantic segmentation, and deep learning architectures
  • Exceptional programming skills in modern C++ and Python
  • Hands-on experience with JAX or PyTorch
  • Proven track record of deploying real-time machine learning models on embedded systems
  • PhD in a related field with 0-2 years experience
  • Prior experience in highway autonomous driving scenarios
  • Familiarity with BEV, Sparse Transformer architectures and Vision-Language Models
  • Strong publication record in top AI conferences or journals

Zoox Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Zoox and has not been reviewed or approved by Zoox.

  • Healthcare Strength Healthcare is extensive, with broad medical and vision options, company‑paid disability coverage, and multiple mental‑health resources. Feedback suggests coverage breadth and auxiliary programs support a wide range of needs.
  • Parental & Family Support Family supports include paid parental leave, additional pregnancy disability time, fertility coverage, and adoption/surrogacy assistance. Backup care and family‑oriented programs further reinforce support across life stages.
  • Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits Day‑to‑day perks are robust, including free daily meals, fitness subsidies, commuter support, and on‑site amenities. Feedback suggests these lifestyle benefits enhance convenience and workplace experience, especially for office‑based roles.

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The Company
HQ: Foster City, CA
2,900 Employees
Year Founded: 2014

What We Do

Zoox is an autonomous mobility company that was founded to provide a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable future on the road. To achieve that goal, the company has spent the past 10 years creating a purpose-built robotaxi that gives the world a better way to ride.

Why Work With Us

At Zoox, we are working to solve one of the greatest technological challenges of our generation. From the beginning, we have been focused on our goal of reimagining transportation from the ground up. We are a mission-driven community of innovators working together to create a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable future on the road.

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