PhD Research Intern, Mapping Software (AI)

TL;DR

PhD Research Intern, Mapping Software (AI): Designing and developing novel ML models for 2D/3D perception to build automated semantic maps for autonomous driving with an accent on computer vision and safety-critical accuracy. Focus on integrating state-of-the-art Vision Transformers and Vision Language Models into production systems.

Location: Hybrid in Foster City, CA. Must be able to relocate to the Bay Area for the duration of the internship.

Salary: $9,500 per month

Company

hirify.global is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market.

What you will do

• Design and develop novel algorithms and ML models for 2D/3D perception targeting near 100% accuracy.
• Integrate SOTA Vision Transformers and Vision Language Models into production environments.
• Collaborate across functions with engineers from Mapping, Perception, and Data Science teams.
• Research and apply the latest advancements in computer vision and machine learning to improve systems.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a PhD in a relevant engineering program.
• Must be returning to school to continue education after the internship.
• Ability to commit to a 12-week internship starting in late May or June 2026.
• Previous industry internship, co-op, or project experience in a relevant area.
• Proficiency in Python and/or C++ and deep learning frameworks like PyTorch.
• Experience with 3D computer vision and projective geometry.

Nice to have

• Conference or journal publications in CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ICRA, or RSS.
• Experience with high-definition (HD) maps, SLAM, or Structure from Motion (SFM).
• Knowledge of object detection, semantic segmentation, or semantic scene understanding.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Culture & Benefits

• Medical insurance and a housing stipend provided.
• Relocation assistance offered based on eligibility.
• Mentorship from industry-leading researchers and engineers.
• Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art autonomous driving technology.