2027 Summer Intern, MS/PhD, Data Science - Commercialization Testing

Waymo; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Waymo seeks a graduate student for a data science internship in San Francisco to develop Bayesian forecasting models and predictive analytics for fleet operations. You will analyze vehicle data, collaborate with engineers, and deliver production-quality Python and SQL solutions.

The role emphasizes rigorous quantitative work, cross-team collaboration, and contributing to safety-focused mobility analytics within a leading autonomous driving company.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a graduate program (Master's or PhD) in Data Science, Statistics, Operations Research, Civil Engineering (with a focus on traffic/mobility analytics), or a highly quantitative field.
• Strong foundation in predictive analytics, Bayesian modeling, and statistical inference.
• Proficiency in writing production-quality Python.
• Strong SQL skills with experience querying and synthesizing data from large-scale databases.
• Strong communication skills to present complex quantitative results and statistical limitations clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and refine Bayesian forecasting models to interpret small-sample test results.
• Build and optimize predictive analytics models to monitor fleet operations and analyze vehicle behavior.
• Collaborate with Test Engineers to design experimental procedures on closed courses and simulation environments.
• Extract, process, and analyze large-scale, high-dimensional datasets from vehicle logs and depot operations using Python and SQL.
• Partner with Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, and Product teams to determine key performance characteristics for model coverage.

Education

Graduate program in Data Science, Statistics, Operations Research, or a quantitative field

Tools

Python

SQL

Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World's Most Experienced Driver™—to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.

Waymo's Systems Engineering team works together to blend software and hardware systems in groundbreaking new ways. We set the high performance standards that ensure our vehicles run smoothly and keep passengers safe, then design and perform the tests that validate that performance. We're looking for talented teammates who’ll help us maintain strong teamwork and are passionate about driving results.

Waymo interns partner with leaders in the industry on projects that create impact to the company. We believe learning is a two-way street: applying your knowledge while providing you with opportunities to expand your skill-set. Interns are an important part of our culture and our recruiting pipeline. Join us at Waymo for a fun and rewarding internship!

You will:

• Develop, implement, and refine Bayesian forecasting models to interpret small-sample test results.
• Build and optimize predictive analytics models to monitor fleet operations and analyze vehicle behavior.
• Collaborate with Test Engineers to design experimental procedures on closed courses and simulation environments.
• Extract, process, and analyze large-scale, high-dimensional datasets from vehicle logs and depot operations using Python and SQL.
• Partner with Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, and Product teams to determine key performance characteristics for model coverage.

You have:

• Enrolled in a graduate program (Master's or PhD) in Data Science, Statistics, Operations Research, Civil Engineering (with a focus on traffic/mobility analytics), or a highly quantitative field.
• Strong foundation in predictive analytics, Bayesian modeling, and statistical inference.
• Proficiency in writing production-quality Python.
• Strong SQL skills with experience querying and synthesizing data from large-scale databases.
• Strong communication skills to present complex quantitative results and statistical limitations clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

We prefer:

• Academic coursework or research experience in traffic flow theory, intelligent transportation systems, fleet routing, or urban mobility.
• Familiarity with autonomous vehicle technology, simulation-based testing (SIL/HIL), or systems engineering principles.
• Experience with survival analysis, probability modeling, or extreme value theory applied to safety-critical systems.
• Comfort navigating highly ambiguous, unstructured problems in a fast-paced R&D environment.

The expected hourly rate for this full-time position is listed below. Interns are also eligible to participate in the Company’s generous benefits programs, subject to eligibility requirements.

Hourly Masters Pay

$70-$70 USD

The expected hourly rate for this full-time position is listed below. Interns are also eligible to participate in the Company’s generous benefits programs, subject to eligibility requirements.

Hourly PhD Pay

$85-$85 USD