Staff Machine Learning Engineer (Autonomous Driving)

TL;DR

Staff Machine Learning Engineer (Autonomous Driving): Develop and optimize advanced machine learning and deep learning models for autonomous vehicle behavior evaluation and anomaly detection with an accent on Gen AI LLM/VLM solutions and reinforcement learning from human preference data. Focus on designing scalable ML systems, simulation workflows, and collaborating cross-functionally to enhance the Waymo Driver's evaluation and performance.

Location: Onsite in Mountain View, California, United States

Salary: $238,000–$302,000 USD

Company

Waymo is a leading autonomous driving technology company focused on building the world's most experienced and trusted self-driving system, powering fully autonomous ride-hail services across multiple U.S. states.

What you will do

• Lead development of cutting-edge deep learning and machine learning models to automate high-volume workflows and enhance human-led triaging.
• Design and build Gen AI LLM/VLM solutions for self-driving car behavior analysis and anomaly detection.
• Develop reinforcement learning systems based on human preference data for evaluation and data collection.
• Collaborate with product, business, and multiple engineering teams to define requirements and align technical strategies.
• Oversee production and optimization of ML models assessing Waymo’s fleet performance.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to the team and cross-functional stakeholders.

Requirements

• Must be located onsite in Mountain View, California, United States.
• B.S. in Computer Science, Robotics, Machine Learning, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong coding skills in C++ and/or Python.
• Experience with foundational models, VLM, deep learning, and ML frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Hugging Face transformers.
• 5+ years of hands-on machine learning project experience.

Nice to have

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Computer Science or related quantitative field specializing in machine learning.
• Experience with Transformers and Gen AI LLM/VLM.
• Expertise in MLOps, evaluation/validation techniques, and model performance optimization.
• Large-scale data processing and analytical skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Top-notch medical, dental, vision insurance, mental wellness support, and gym membership.
• Competitive compensation, bonus opportunities, equity, and employee discounts.
• Flexible work options including onsite, hybrid, and remote opportunities with paid time off and family leave.
• Support for personal and professional development including education reimbursement and mentorship.
• Access to Google offices, wellness centers, and at-home fitness and cooking classes.