Research Intern, Knowledge Engineering & Generative AI

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 62,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc. in Santa Clara, California, is seeking a Research Intern to help develop a next-generation AI-powered knowledge platform that integrates engineering knowledge, OT knowledge, technical documents, simulation assets, and domain expertise.

This platform will support intelligent search, knowledge discovery, AI-assisted reasoning, and agentic AI systems for industrial applications.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Background in Generative AI, NLP, Information Retrieval, Machine Learning, and Knowledge Representation.
• Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Familiarity with RAG, embeddings, vector databases, or semantic search technologies.
• Ability to rapidly build prototypes and proof-of-concept systems.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers and engineers to design and prototype AI-driven knowledge platform components.
• Develop algorithms and prototypes for intelligent search, knowledge discovery, and AI-assisted reasoning.
• Explore integration of engineering knowledge, OT knowledge, and enterprise data sources.

Skills

Python

Generative AI

NLP

Information Retrieval

Machine Learning

Knowledge Representation

LLMs

RAG

Embeddings

Semantic Search

Prototype Development

Education

Pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. in CS/AI

Job description

Job Title

Research Intern, Knowledge Engineering & Generative AI

Location

Santa Clara, California, United States

Job Schedule

Full time

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated intern to help develop a next-generation AI-powered knowledge platform that integrates engineering knowledge, operational technology (OT) knowledge, technical documents, simulation assets, and domain expertise. This platform will support intelligent search, knowledge discovery, AI-assisted reasoning, and agentic AI systems for industrial applications. The successful candidate will work on technologies spanning Generative AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Knowledge Graphs, Agentic AI, Information Retrieval, and Enterprise Knowledge Systems. You will collaborate with researchers and engineers to design and prototype solutions that help AI systems discover, connect, and utilize complex engineering knowledge.

Required Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Background in one or more of the following areas: Generative AI Natural Language Processing (NLP) Information Retrieval Machine Learning Knowledge Representation.
• Experience with Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Familiarity with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), embeddings, vector databases, or semantic search technologies.
• Ability to rapidly build prototypes and proof-of-concept systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Knowledge Graphs, Ontologies, Graph Databases, or Knowledge Engineering.
• Experience with Agentic AI, AI Assistants, or Multi-Agent Systems.
• Experience integrating AI systems with external tools, APIs, databases, or enterprise data sources.
• Experience processing large collections of structured and unstructured documents.
• Research publications, open-source contributions, or relevant project experience.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Self-motivated team player who thrives in a dynamic research environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Passion for applying AI to real-world industrial challenges.

Our Values

We are proud to say we are an equal opportunity employer and welcome all applicants for employment without attention to any factor that doesn’t impact your ability to do the job, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We are proud of Japanese heritage, with our values expressed through the Hitachi Spirit: Wa – Harmony, Trust, Respect Makoto – Sincerity, Fairness, Honesty, Integrity Kaitakusha-Seishin – Pioneering Spirit, Challenge.

Location & Compensation (California only)

for California only (as required by California’s Pay Transparency for Pay Equity Act (SB 1162): A good faith estimate of the expected hourly pay rate for this position in our California office that the employer reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire is $45-50/hr. Pay is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, depth of experience in the practice area. Employees are eligible to participate in Hitachi America’s variable pay program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Contact

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at Hitachi, please send the nature of request and contact information to [e-mail]. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.

Company Culture

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.

Contact for Data Privacy

E-mail us for data privacy inquiries or technical support.