Machine Learning Engineer, Simulation Scenario Generation

Zoox; Foster City (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 257,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights

Amazon RSUs

Job summary

A pioneering autonomous vehicle company in California is seeking a hands-on ML Engineer to optimize AV scenario generation workflows. The ideal candidate will have an MS or PhD in a related field and at least 2 years of industry experience in machine learning, specifically in LLM/NLP concepts. The role requires proficiency in Python and ML libraries like PyTorch and NumPy, contributing to AI-driven safety validation of autonomous software. This position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of industry experience in Machine Learning.
• Solid understanding of LLM or NLP concepts.
• Practical experience in dataset creation for fine-tuning.

Responsibilities

• Integrate and validate LLMs/VLMs for complex scenario generation workflows.
• Contribute to tooling for AI-based scenario understanding and validation.
• Collaborate with internal customers to provide generative AI solutions.

Skills

Machine Learning

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Python

AI-based scenario understanding

Education

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

Tools

PyTorch

NumPy

Job description

Do you enjoy applying machine learning to complex, real‑world problems in autonomous vehicle testing? The Simulation Scenario Authoring team owns the formats and tools used to create synthetic simulation scenarios. We are looking for a hands‑on ML Engineer to integrate, implement, and optimize our next‑generation AV scenario generation workflow. This ranges from extending our AI assistant to advancing toward full scenario creation automation from natural language test specification. This role offers a unique chance to deliver immediate user impact while contributing to long‑term AI‑driven safety validation.

In this role, you will:

• Integrate and validate LLMs/VLMs and implement other models for complex scenario generation workflows, leveraging techniques like advanced prompting, agentic tool use, and more.
• Contribute to tooling for AI‑based scenario understanding and validation.
• Collect data and design metrics to drive business intelligence, product iteration, and model fine‑tuning.
• Collaborate directly with internal customers and partner teams to provide generative AI solutions for their test creation workflows.
• Directly contribute to the safety and reliability of Zoox's autonomous software.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field
• 2+ years of industry experience in Machine Learning
• Solid understanding of LLM or NLP concepts
• Proficiency in Python and ML libraries (PyTorch, NumPy) demonstrated through professional or research projects

Bonus Qualifications

• Practical experience in dataset creation for fine‑tuning, system integration of ML models into production, or optimization techniques for low‑latency inference systems
• Familiarity with autonomous vehicles, robotics, and/or complex simulation environments
• Hands‑on experience in areas like program synthesis, diffusion models, and/or formal methods/V&V
• Relevant publications in conferences (e.g., CVPR, ICCV, RSS, and/or ICRA)

$151,000 - $257,000 a year

Base Salary Range

There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign‑on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g., sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long‑term care insurance, long‑term and short‑term disability insurance, and life insurance.

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.