Contract Student Worker - Data Scientist

Zoox; Foster City, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoox is seeking a Data Scientist focused on forecasting for its contract student worker program. You will help Fleet Operations anticipate resources to scale an autonomous vehicle service across markets, developing forecasting and scenario-planning for fleet availability, supply, staffing, and charging.

Collaborate with engineers and researchers to create reproducible analytical workflows and to evaluate model performance.

Qualifications

• Build scenario models to understand staffing, cost, and infrastructure implications of operational changes and market growth.
• Combine statistical methods, machine learning, and AI-enabled tools to improve forecasts and interpret outputs.
• Prototype AI-powered decision-support tools that explain forecast drivers and enable scenario planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop forecasting models for fleet availability, supply hours, staffing, workload, charging demand, and infrastructure needs.
• Convert spreadsheet-based planning into reproducible, scalable analytical workflows.
• Evaluate model performance using backtests and forecast-vs-actual analyses.

Skills

Forecasting models

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

AI tools

Communication

Explainability

Education

Master's degree pursuit

Tools

LLMs

APIs

Agent frameworks

Job description

About Zoox

Zoox is an autonomous ridehailing company building the world's first purpose-built robotaxi - fully electric, bidirectional, with no steering wheel or driver's seat. Backed by Amazon and founded to make transportation safer, cleaner, and more accessible, Zoox designs its vehicles entirely around the rider. We're currently operating in Las Vegas and San Francisco, with Austin and Miami on the horizon, and testing underway across seven U.S. markets.

About Our Contract Student Worker Program

Zoox's contract student worker program puts you at the center of one of the most ambitious challenges in transportation. You'll contribute to real projects, work alongside engineers and researchers pushing the boundaries of autonomous technology, and gain experience that goes well beyond the classroom. We're looking for students who bring strong academic foundations, curiosity that doesn't stop at coursework, and a drive to be part of something that matters.

Role Overview

As a Data Scientist focused on forecasting, you will help Fleet Operations anticipate the resources required to scale an autonomous vehicle service across markets. You will develop forecasting and scenario-planning capabilities across fleet availability, supply, staffing, operational demand, charging, and infrastructure. Your work will inform high-impact planning decisions and create a shared, data-driven view of future operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop forecasting models for fleet availability, supply hours, staffing, operational workload, charging demand, and infrastructure needs
• Convert spreadsheet-based planning processes into reproducible, scalable, and well-documented analytical workflows
• Evaluate model performance through backtesting, forecast-versus-actual reporting, and clearly defined accuracy measures

Required Qualifications

• Build scenario models that help leaders understand the staffing, cost, and infrastructure implications of operational changes and market growth
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• Combine statistical methods, machine learning, and AI-enabled tools to improve forecasts and make model outputs easier to interpret
• Prototype AI-powered decision-support tools that explain forecast drivers, identify emerging risks, and allow leaders to explore planning scenarios

Bonus Qualifications

• Partner with Workforce Management, Finance, Strategy, Data Science, and operational leaders to align assumptions and establish a shared operating forecast
• Currently pursuing a master's degree in data science, statistics, computer science, operations research, industrial engineering, economics, applied mathematics, or another quantitative field
• Experience with forecasting, statistical modeling, optimization, simulation, or machine learning through coursework, research, internships, or professional projects
• Communicate model outputs
• An AI-native technical skill set, with demonstrated experience using LLMs, coding copilots, APIs, or agent frameworks to develop analytical products or automate technical workflows
• Strong understanding of model evaluation, uncertainty, explainability, and human oversight.

Program Requirements

• Ability to select the right analytical approach for the problem rather than defaulting to the most complex model.
• Currently enrolled in a B.S. or M.S. program in a relevant discipline.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Available to commit to a minimum three-month assignment.
• Able to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Able to work on-site in Foster City CA.
• Must adhere with Zoox confidentiality requirements, including refraining from using or sharing proprietary company information outside of Zoox, such as in academic research, theses, publications, or presentations.

We want to be transparent: this is not an internship. The Contract Student Worker Program is designed to complement your academic experience by providing meaningful, ongoing work alongside your studies. Rather than participating in a cohort-based program, you'll join a team directly and contribute to real projects with real impact.

While the program does not include structured intern programming or a pathway to full-time employment, it offers valuable opportunities to learn, develop new skills, and gain hands-on experience in a professional environment.

Compensation for this role is $30/hour.

This is a contract position; employment will be through a vendor contracted with Zoox. The hourly rate is as posted, and benefits eligibility is determined by the vendor.

About Zoox

Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We're looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.

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Accommodations

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [e-mail] or your assigned recruiter.

A Final Note

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.