2027 Summer Intern, SEAM, Embodied AI (PhD)

General Motors Company; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 148,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

Networking events with leaders

Paid holidays (GM)

Hands-on internship experience

Job summary

General Motors Company is seeking a SEAM Intern in Sunnyvale, CA, to advance sensing, estimation, and mapping for autonomy. You’ll work on algorithms for state estimation, sensor fusion, and real-time localization, collaborating with engineers across perception, planning, and controls.

Expect hands-on software development, data analysis, and robust evaluation in a team environment. You will prototype and evaluate algorithms using multimodal data, participate in design reviews, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in a relevant technical field.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python.
• Solid foundation in linear algebra, probability, geometry, optimization, or estimation methods.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with robotics, sensor fusion, localization, or mapping is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, prototype, and evaluate algorithms for sensor fusion, state estimation, localization, calibration, mapping, or related autonomy capabilities.
• Work with multimodal data sources (camera, lidar, radar, inertial, maps).
• Implement software/tools for data processing, visualization, and offline analysis.
• Analyze accuracy, latency, and robustness across varied conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and participate in design reviews and code reviews.

Skills

C++ programming

Python

Linear algebra

Probability

Geometry

Optimization

Estimation methods

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Ph.D. candidate in Robotics/CS/EE/ME/Applied Math

Tools

ROS

PyTorch

TensorFlow

JAX

Job description

Job DescriptionWork Arrangement:Hybrid: This internship is categorized as on-site. The selected intern is expected to report to the office 3 days a week.Location:Sunnyvale, CAAbout the TeamThe State Estimation, Alignment, and Mapping (SEAM) team develops the sensing and spatial understanding capabilities that help autonomous vehicles know where they are, interpret their surroundings, and maintain reliable operation over time. The team works on sensor fusion, state estimation, real-time localization, static and dynamic sensor calibration, next-generation mapping, and capabilities that support primary and fallback driving systems.SEAM combines robotics, computer vision, estimation theory, machine learning, geometry, and production software engineering. Our work supports both onboard, real-time autonomy and offboard, high-fidelity map and data-generation workflows.About the RoleAs a SEAM Intern, you will work on a well-scoped research or engineering project related to sensing, estimation, localization, mapping, or autonomy reliability. You will collaborate with experienced engineers and researchers to design algorithms, implement software, evaluate system performance, and understand how sensing capabilities operate in real-world autonomous driving systems.Potential focus areas include:State Estimation and Sensor Fusion: Combine information from multiple sensors and vehicle signals to estimate position, orientation, motion, and other states robustly.Sensor Alignment and Calibration: Develop methods for static and dynamic calibration, sensor registration, and maintaining alignment as vehicle and environmental conditions change.Localization: Improve real-time localization and map-based positioning across diverse driving environments.Next-Generation Mapping: Build or evaluate high-fidelity, large-scale maps that provide useful spatial context beyond the immediate sensor range.Fallback and Secondary Capabilities: Develop reliable estimation, localization, or mapping functions that support safe operation when nominal system capabilities are unavailable or degraded.What You’ll DoDevelop, prototype, and evaluate algorithms for sensor fusion, state estimation, localization, calibration, mapping, or related autonomy capabilities.Work with camera, lidar, radar, inertial, vehicle, map, and other multimodal data sources.Implement software and tools for data processing, visualization, offline analysis, simulation, and system evaluation.Analyze accuracy, robustness, latency, and failure modes across diverse operating conditions.Apply software engineering best practices, including design reviews, code reviews, automated testing, continuous integration, and documentation.Collaborate with perception, planning, controls, robotics, systems engineering, and vehicle-program partners.Communicate technical findings and contribute to design discussions and project documentation.Required QualificationsCurrently enrolled in or pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field.Demonstrated experience through coursework, research, academic projects, or professional work in robotics, state estimation, sensor fusion, computer vision, localization, mapping, controls, or a related area.Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python.Strong foundation in linear algebra, probability, geometry, optimization, or estimation methods.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.Availability to work full-time, 40 hours per week, during the internship period.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Kalman filtering, factor graphs, SLAM, visual-inertial odometry, bundle adjustment, point clouds, geometric computer vision, or multi-sensor calibration.Familiarity with autonomous vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems, robotics, ROS, or safety-critical systems.Experience with large-scale sensor or map datasets, simulation, data association, or offline evaluation.Experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.Familiarity with real-time systems, distributed systems, high-performance computing, or production software developmentIntent to return to a degree program after completion of the internship or co-op.Must be graduating between December 2027 and June 2028Compensation:The monthly salary range for this role is $14,600 per monthGM will provide a one-time lump sum taxable stipend payment to eligible students selected for the 2027 Student Program.What You’ll Get from UsPaid U.S. GM holidays.GM Family First Vehicle Discount Program.Potential for growth within GM based on performance and business needs.Intern events and opportunities to network with company leaders and peers.Mentorship and hands-on experience with the data and ML foundations behind autonomyAbout GMOur vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.Why Join UsWe believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.Benefits OverviewFrom day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources .Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire .AccommodationsGeneral Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.