Senior Researcher

Toyota North America; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 222,000; Full time

Job summary

Toyota North America is seeking a Senior Researcher in Mountain View to advance AI technologies for intelligent mobility. You will lead research at the intersection of large language models, World Models, multi-agent systems, and vehicle technologies, driving practical innovations.

The role reports to InfoTech Labs Research and requires a PhD, 3+ years of post-PhD research, and a strong publication record. Expect collaboration across cloud, edge, and embedded platforms and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant engineering field.
• 3+ years of post-PhD research in AI, ML, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Proven expertise in ML/DL with real-world research applications.
• Experience in two or more: World Models, multi-agent systems, RL, or knowledge distillation.
• Strong Python experience with TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Track record of publications in top conferences/journals.
• Willing to travel internationally and domestically as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop networked World Models to improve cooperative understanding and decision-making across mobility ecosystems.
• Design distributed World Model architectures enabling intelligent interaction among agents.
• Optimize AI models for real-time deployment across cloud, edge, and embedded systems.
• Research World Model-based model predictive control for mobility applications.
• Implement, test, and validate algorithms with simulations and real-world data.
• Publish findings in leading conferences and journals to advance Toyota's leadership.
• Generate IP through invention disclosures and patents.

Skills

Machine learning

Deep learning

AI research

World Models

Multi-agent systems

Reinforcement learning

Knowledge distillation

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Publications

Education

PhD in Computer Science or related field

Tools

CARLA

Gazebo

SUMO

ROS

Job description

Overview

Who we are

Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We're looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.

Toyota does not offer support or sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this role now or in the future. You must have the right to work in the United States and not require Toyota support or sponsorship for immigration-related employment (e.g., H-1B, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, TN, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, job flexibility benefits (also known as I-140 or Adjustment of Status portability), etc.) now or in the future. You should not apply for this role if you will require Toyota to assist with immigration support or sponsorship now or in the future.

Who We're Looking For

InfoTech Labs (ITL) is driving advanced research that helps shape the future of intelligent mobility. We are seeking a Senior Researcher to join our team in Mountain View, California, focused on developing next-generation artificial intelligence technologies that enable connected, cooperative, and intelligent mobility systems. This role is ideal for a highly innovative researcher passionate about advancing the state of the art and turning breakthrough ideas into impactful solutions.

Reporting to the Manager of InfoTech Labs Research, you will lead cutting-edge research at the intersection of large language models, World Models, multi-agent systems, and connected vehicle technologies. Your work will help create scalable AI capabilities that improve perception, prediction, planning, and decision-making across cloud, edge, and embedded platforms, contributing directly to Toyota’s long-term vision for intelligent transportation and mobility.

What You'll Be Doing

Success in this role means turning advanced research concepts into practical innovations that improve connected and intelligent mobility systems. On any given day, you may be exploring new AI architectures, developing prototype solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and publishing research that advances the industry.

• Develop networked World Models that improve cooperative understanding, prediction, and decision-making across connected mobility ecosystems
• Design and evaluate distributed and collaborative World Model architectures that enable intelligent interaction among connected agents and systems
• Optimize AI models for real-time deployment across cloud, edge, and embedded computing environments while balancing performance and resource constraints
• Research and develop World Model-based model predictive control approaches that enhance planning and control capabilities within mobility applications
• Implement, test, and validate advanced algorithms using large-scale simulations and real-world transportation datasets
• Create proof-of-concept solutions that demonstrate innovative applications for connected and intelligent transportation systems
• Publish technical findings in leading conferences and journals to contribute to the broader scientific community and strengthen Toyota’s research leadership
• Generate intellectual property through invention disclosures, patents, and other innovative contributions that support future mobility technologies

What You Bring

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline
• 3+ years of post-PhD research experience focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, autonomous systems, or closely related technical domains
• Demonstrated expertise in machine learning, deep learning, or artificial intelligence with hands-on experience applying advanced algorithms to complex research problems
• Experience in two or more of the following areas: World Models and predictive modeling, multi-agent systems and agentic AI, reinforcement learning and decision making, or knowledge distillation and model compression
• Strong programming experience utilizing Python and modern machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
• Demonstrated record of publishing research in top-tier conferences or journals such as NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR, or AAAI
• Willing to work overtime, after-hours, and travel both international and domestic as needed

Added Bonus If You Have

• Experience with vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, connected vehicle technologies, or intelligent mobility systems that can help accelerate research impact
• Hands-on experience utilizing simulation platforms such as CARLA, Gazebo, SUMO, or ROS
• Experience working with mobility and autonomous driving datasets such as nuScenes, Waymo, or OpenDV
• Research experience with foundation models, including large language models, vision-language models, and other large-scale AI architectures
• Deep expertise in fine-tuning, evaluating, and applying advanced AI models to domain-specific transportation and mobility challenges

What We'll Bring

During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement
• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount
• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable)
• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family
• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute (if applicable)
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more
• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)

The annual base salary range for this position is $136,600.00 - $221,900.00.

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.