2026 Summer Intern - PhD

Weride; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 55,104; Part time

Job summary

WeRide offers an internship program where PhD students will contribute to a range of autonomous driving projects across Perception, Prediction, Planning and Control, Mapping, and Infrastructure teams. You will develop and implement software and ML solutions for our next‑generation driving system in a collaborative, world‑class engineering environment.

Interns work on real deployments, analyzing simulation and road data to address motion planning and vehicle control challenges, with 1‑on‑1

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD with expected graduation before end of 2027.
• Proficient in C++ and Python with knowledge of latest features.
• Strong understanding of machine learning approaches (vision, NLP, multi‑modal models).
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Join teams such as Perception, Prediction, Planning and Control, Mapping and Localization, Simulation, and Infrastructure.
• Contribute on software for next version of autonomous driving solution.
• Develop and implement machine learning solutions across projects.
• Analyze data from simulations and real‑world tests to improve motion planning and control.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate models into systems.

Skills

C++

Python

ML knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

PhD in Robotics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field

Job description

WeRide is a leading, commercial-stage global company that develops autonomous driving technologies from Level 2 to Level 4. It offers an all-rounded product mix of Robotaxi, Robobus, Robosweeper, Robovan and Advanced Driving Solution to provide services. WeRide aims to develop safe and reliable driverless solutions to make our mobility and transportation safer, more affordable, and accessible.

In our internship program, you will:

• Join one of our teams, such as Perception, Prediction, Planning and Control, Mapping and Localization, Simulation, and Infrastructure.
• Be expected to be an equal contributor on teams of world‑class engineers to develop and implement software for our next version of autonomous driving solution.
• Learn various technical skills through different projects.
• Develop innovative machine learning solutions to tackle key problems in autonomous driving, including computer vision, behavior prediction, planning, mapping, and localization.
• Implement and optimize models for deployment across a wide range of WeRide vehicles.
• Analyze simulation and real‑world road test data to identify and resolve issues in motion planning, behavior prediction, and vehicle control.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure seamless integration of machine learning models and algorithms into autonomous systems.
• Currently pursuing a PhD degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field, with an expected graduation date before the end of 2027.
• Proficient in C++ and/or Python with knowledge of its latest features.
• Strong understanding of machine learning approaches and algorithms, including but not limited to NLP, computer vision, reconstruction algorithms, image generation, or multi‑modal models.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication, and cross‑functional team collaboration abilities.
• Passion for innovation in the autonomous vehicle industry.

What Happens Next:

We’ll take a few weeks to review all applications. If we’d like to move forward with you, we’ll reach out to arrange the next steps, which may include an online assessment, a call with a recruiter, and 3 interviews with your future colleagues to better inform our decision.

During the interview process, we aim to learn more about your skills, experiences, and motivators. Many of our questions will focus on understanding how you might operate here at WeRide. Please note that, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we’re unable to offer individual feedback during the interview process.

We recognize that interviewing for a new role is significant, and we appreciate you considering WeRide as the next step in your career. Our Recruiting Team is here to support you throughout the interview process. Come join us and apply today!

At WeRide, interns collaborate with industry leaders on impactful projects that drive meaningful results for the company. You'll apply your knowledge while gaining opportunities to expand your skill set. Our 12‑week/ 3‑month internship program begins in May or June 2026. Successful candidates must be available to work in the office five days a week. Interns will receive 1‑on‑1 mentorship, hands‑on training, and engage in fun team‑building activities as well as interactive workshops, enhancing both professional and personal growth.