Machine Learning Research Perception Intern - Spring 2027 - Santa Clara, CA

Nissan Motor Iberica SA; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional training and development

Job summary

Nissan in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Machine Learning Research Intern in Perception to contribute to sensor validation and autonomous driving development. You will work with engineers and researchers on integrating sensors into platforms, designing validation methodologies, and analyzing large-scale datasets.

The role emphasizes hands-on learning in sensor fusion, perception algorithms, and machine learning-driven performance evaluation within a collaborative R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• GPA 3.0+; transcript may be requested during application.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience with the complete sensor validation workflow, from system integration and interface development to vehicle testing and data-driven performance evaluation.
• Develop practical skills in autonomous driving system engineering, including sensor fusion, experimental design, performance metric development, and large-scale data analysis.
• Support the integration and evaluation of next-generation sensing technologies for autonomous vehicles.
• Analyze real-world sensor data to derive insights on system performance, robustness, and reliability.
• Collaborate with senior autonomous vehicle engineers and researchers on perception-focused projects and advanced mobility technologies.

Skills

C++

Python

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering / Electrical Engineering / Software Engineering / Computer Science / Robotics

Tools

Linux

ROS

Job description

Location(s): Santa Clara, CA

Job Schedule: 12-week program

Degree Level: Master's - PhD Level Students Preferred Degree: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field

Shape the Future of Mobility at Nissan: Launch Your Career, Drive Innovation

We are currently looking for a Machine Learning Research Perception Intern to join our team in Santa Clara, CA. With a focus on mobility and autonomous driving technologies, Nissan is seeking researchers who want to challenge themselves, develop their skills, and contribute to the future of intelligent vehicles. On our team, we focus on next-generation sensor integration and real-world performance evaluation for autonomous driving systems.

As a Machine Learning Research Intern - Perception, you will gain hands-on experience evaluating advanced sensing technologies used in autonomous vehicles. Working closely with engineers and researchers, you will help integrate new sensors into existing autonomous driving platforms, develop testing and validation methodologies, support vehicle-based experiments, and analyze large-scale datasets to assess sensor performance and system-level impact. This role provides exposure to the complete sensor validation lifecycle, from system integration and experimental design to machine learning-driven analysis and performance evaluation.

A Day in the Life:

• Gain hands-on experience with the complete sensor validation workflow, from system integration and interface development to vehicle testing and data-driven performance evaluation.
• Develop practical skills in autonomous driving system engineering, including sensor fusion, experimental design, performance metric development, and large-scale data analysis.
• Support the integration and evaluation of next-generation sensing technologies for autonomous vehicles.
• Analyze real-world sensor data and develop insights into system performance, robustness, and reliability.
• Collaborate with experienced autonomous vehicle engineers and researchers on perception-focused projects and advanced mobility technologies.

Who We’re Looking For:

Required:

• Must be currently enrolled in a Master's or PhD degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• GPA of 3.0 or above (Candidates will be required to provide an official or unofficial transcript during the application process for verification.)
• Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Self-motivated with a willingness to challenge yourself and continuously develop your technical capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research and development environment.
• Interest in autonomous driving systems, perception technologies, robotics, or machine learning.

Preferred:

• Experience with autonomous systems, robotics, or sensor technologies such as LiDAR, radar, cameras, or related sensing platforms.
• Experience designing experiments and analyzing real-world datasets.
• Familiarity with Linux and Robot Operating System (ROS).
• Exposure to sensor fusion, perception algorithms, machine learning, or data analytics techniques.
• Experience working with large-scale autonomous vehicle datasets is a plus.

What You’ll Look Forward to at Nissan:

Connection and Collaboration:

• We offer Business Synergy Teams (ERGs) and opportunities for our employees to strengthen their relationships and meet people from similar and diverse backgrounds to foster a culture of belonging.

Professional Training and Development:

• Expand your knowledge and skills through Nissan's rich innovation offerings, seminars, learning platforms, and leadership trainings.

Nissan is committed to a drug-free workplace. All employment is contingent upon the successful completion of drug and background screenings in accordance with Nissan policies and in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. Nissan will consider qualified candidates with arrest or conviction records for employment in a manner consistent with these laws. It is Nissan's policy to provide Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, gender, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire; Nissan uses E-Verify to validate employment eligibility.

NISSAN FOR EVERYONE

NISSAN FOR EVERYONE People are our most valuable assets, and Nissan seeks to maximize the power of each individual member of our team. When everyone belongs, the power of NISSAN is undeniable. Nissan aims to improve business results through a workplace and business that meets the needs of our employees and customer base. Nissan is committed to creating a culture where everyone belongs and employees, customers, and partners feel respected, valued, and heard. We have Business Synergy Teams (BSTs) across the Americas that are open to all employees and seek to connect employees through common interests and foster a company culture where all employees feel supported and included. Nissan also values inclusion in our business as we respect and recognize the diversity of our customer base and the communities where we do business. We are committed to procuring innovative goods and services, retailing our products, and communicating from a position that will help us continue to offer our customers competitively designed, market-driven products. Join ... Santa Clara California United States of America Nissan is more than a car company. We are an innovation company. We take the most innovative thinking in the industry and combine it with performance, value, efficiency, safety and style. The result: Cars that thrill you every time you get behind the wheel. With over 150 million vehicles produced globally, Nissan continues with the goal to enrich the lives of our employees and customers alike.