2026 Intern, PhD Research Scientist

Waabi; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 68,191 - 97,120; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily drinks, snacks, and catered meals

Regular team building activities and social events

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Pittsburgh is seeking interns pursuing a PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, AI, or similar fields. You will engage in cutting-edge AI research for self-driving vehicles, focusing on algorithm development and optimization. Strong proficiency in Python or C++ and a solid quantitative background are required. The internship offers a competitive hourly rate of $60 with a range of perks and benefits, emphasizing teamwork and communication.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated research/software engineering experience through internships or projects.
• At least one publication in top Machine Learning, Computer Vision, or Robotics conferences.
• Strong background in linear algebra, calculus, and probability.

Responsibilities

• Partake in team research projects aimed at safe self-driving technologies.
• Lead or contribute to AI research, developing new algorithms for Autonomous Vehicles.
• Design, implement, and optimize algorithms for self-driving vehicles.

Skills

Python

C++

Machine Learning

Computer Vision

Robotics

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Education

Pursuing PhD in Computer Science, Engineering, AI, or similar

Job description

Waabi, founded by AI visionary Raquel Urtasun, is the leader in Physical AI. With a world‑class team, we’re unlocking the next era of autonomous transportation with technology that’s powering commercial autonomous trucks and robotaxis. Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech.

With offices in Toronto, San Francisco, Dallas, and Pittsburgh, Waabi is growing quickly and looking for diverse, innovative and collaborative candidates who want to impact the world in a positive way. To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai

You will…

• Be part of a team of multidisciplinary Research Scientists and Engineers using an AI‑first approach to enable safe self‑driving at scale.
• Lead or Contribute to an AI research project, pushing the frontiers of the field by developing new algorithms for Autonomous Vehicle (AV). This includes topics such as perception, prediction, motion planning, controls, simulation, mapping, localization, core AI, etc.
• Design, implement, train, and optimize novel algorithms on self‑driving vehicles and various production systems.
• Be encouraged to submit and publish work externally at top machine learning, computer vision, and robotics conferences (NeurIPS, ICLR, ICML, CVPR, etc.), post to our company blog.

Qualifications:

• Pursuing PhD degree in Computer Science, Engineering, AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Robotics and/or similar technical field(s) of study.
• Demonstrated research/software engineering experience: through previous internships, work experience, coding competitions, and/or research projects and papers.
• At least one publication in top Machine Learning, Computer Vision, or Robotics conferences.
• Strong quantitative background and coursework in or working knowledge of linear algebra, calculus, and probability.
• Proficient in reading and coding in Python and/or C++.
• Open‑minded and collaborative team player with willingness to help others.
• Passionate about self‑driving technologies, solving hard problems, and creating innovative solutions.

Application Instructions:

• To be considered for an internship/co‑op, please add your most up to date academic transcripts alongside with your resume for further review.

The US hourly range for this role is: $60 USD and the Canada hourly range for this role is: $60‑$65 CAD in addition to competitive perks & benefits. Waabi US Inc. and Waabi Canada Inc.’s yearly salary ranges are determined based on several factors in accordance with the Company’s compensation practices. The salary base range is reflective of the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US and Canada locations.

Perks/Benefits:

• Daily drinks, snacks and catered meals (when in office)
• Regularly scheduled team building activities and social events
• As we grow, this list continues to evolve!

Waabi is a technology start‑up building technologies to transform the way the world moves. Join our talented team to be a part of the future and to make an impact!

Waabi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and accessible workplace for all our employees. We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, across race, color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, caregiver status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We make workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process please let our recruiting team know.