Artificial Intelligence Scientist Jobs in Foster City, CA

INTRODUCTION

Simulation is essential for Zoox to rapidly iterate on our driving software and hardware, and to validate our safety before we drive in the real world. We create virtual worlds to challenge our robots, from real-world data, entirely novel scenarios, or a combination of both. Our simulations need to run at a huge scale to cover everything that might happen, and to help prove our driving to be safe.

As a Machine Learning Engineer on the Simulation Core Team, you will focus on the intersection of machine learning and synthetic environments within our high-speed, GPU-based simulation framework. Our success depends on you driving ML efficiency while solving complex "sim-to-sim" and "sim-to-real" fidelity gaps, ensuring our safety-critical models train on data that perfectly aligns with physical vehicle behavior.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role, you will:

• Develop and optimize our GPU-based simulation framework to support complex machine learning training and validation pipelines.
• Apply reinforcement learning concepts to solve complex behavioral and path planning challenges in simulation environments.
• Identify and resolve "sim-to-sim" and “sim-to-real” fidelity gaps to ensure parity between high-speed ML simulations, high-fidelity 3D environments, and physical vehicle execution.
• Build systems that allow autonomy users to self-serve data generation and accelerate their training iterations.
• Write robust, production-ready code to integrate advanced ML algorithms directly into our core simulation architecture.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD or Master’s in computer science, robotics, machine learning, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of reinforcement learning and its application in simulated or robotic environments.
• Hands-on experience developing, training, and fine-tuning deep learning models using modern frameworks (e.g., JAX or PyTorch).
• Strong proficiency in C++ and Python for building and deploying production machine learning systems.
• Experience analyzing and bridging fidelity gaps between synthetic training data and real-world execution.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with GPU programming (CUDA) or high-performance compute clusters.
• Automotive or autonomous robotics industry experience.
• Strong background in deterministic systems and latency optimization.

COMPENSATION

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.

ACCOMMODATIONS

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to accommodations@zoox.com 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.