Senior Research Scientist

General Motors LLC; Sunnyvale (CA); Remote; USD 171,000 - 261,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Health & wellbeing benefits

GM vehicle discounts

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Senior Research Scientist in the AI Research organization to push the frontier of machine learning for autonomous driving. You will design state-of-the-art algorithms, influence roadmaps, mentor teams, and publish at leading conferences.

The role emphasizes collaboration with engineering groups and external representation through publications and patents, with remote work options and location-based considerations in the US.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of experience in AI/ML research and applied development.
• Expertise in modern ML architectures (transformers, generative AI, multimodal systems).
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and prototype advanced ML approaches to advance autonomous driving.
• Influence technical roadmaps and ML priorities aligned with company objectives.
• Provide technical mentorship and vision.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering groups to foster ML innovation.
• Represent GM externally through publications, patents, and top conferences.

Skills

ML research

Python programming

Transformers

Generative AI

Multimodal systems

Mentoring

Collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Machine Learning or related field

Job description

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features. Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

Role

As a Senior Research Scientist in the AI Research organization, you will be advancing the frontier of machine learning to solve challenging problems in autonomous driving. You will design state-of-the-art algorithms that open new possibilities for our vehicles. Additionally, you will help shape technical directions, mentor, and publish at top conferences.

About the Organization

The AI Research team advances the state-of-the-art in AI for autonomous vehicles. We research, design, and prototype advanced AI/ML techniques (e.g., foundation models, VLAs, diffusion, image/video generation, self-supervised learning, IL, RL) that help our vehicles unlock new autonomous capabilities. Join a collaborative and innovative team redefining autonomy.

What You’ll Do

• Research, design, and prototype advanced ML approaches (e.g., foundation models, VLAs, diffusion, image/video generation, self-supervised learning, IL, RL) to advance the state-of-the-art in autonomous driving.
• Influence technical roadmaps, shaping strategic ML priorities aligned with company objectives and product milestones.
• Provide technical mentorship and vision.
• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering groups, helping foster ML innovation across teams.
• Represent GM externally through publications, patents, and participation in top conferences.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 2+ years of experience in AI/ML research and applied development.
• Expertise in modern ML architectures (transformers, generative AI, multimodal systems).
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and mentoring abilities.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Demonstrated research impact in AI/ML technologies either through important publications in top conferences or demonstrated contribution to industry leading systems.
• AV/ADAS experience.

Remote

This role is based remotely but if you live within a 50-mile radius of Mountain View, you are expected to report to that location three times a week, at minimum.

Compensation

The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington. The salary range for this role is $170,600.00 to $261,300.00. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

Bonus Potential

An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits

GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

Recruitment Process

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.

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.

Accommodations

General 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.

Our Company

Our 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.

Our Culture

We 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.

Our diverse team of employees bring their collective passion for engineering, technology and design to deliver on our vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion.

Explore our global locations

We are determined to lead change for the world through technology, ingenuity and harnessing the creativity of our diverse team. Join us to help lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all by becoming a member of GM’s Talent Community (avature.net).

Join us to be part of GM’s Talent Community

As a part of our Talent Community, you will receive updates about GM, open roles, career insights and more.