Machine Learning Engineer Intern, Perception

Key Skills

Algorithms, C Programming, C++, CUDA/GPU programming, Machine learning techniques, Python Programming

Job Description

On the perception optimization team, you will build optimized inference pipelines for on-bot algorithms. A major focus of optimization is ML models, with techniques such as quantization, pruning, and advanced transformer optimizations such as token pruning, merging and layer pruning being used to deploy large models into the bot to operate at real time. In this role, you will experiment with optimizing SOTA large ML models to make them fit into on-bot compute, including both post-training optimization (e.g. quantization) as well as architectural approaches (e.g. token merging).

Requirements:

• Currently working towards a B.S., M.S., Ph.D., or advanced degree in a relevant engineering program
• Must be returning to school to continue your education upon completing this internship
• Good academic standing
• Able to commit to a 12-week internship beginning in May or June of 2026.
• At least one previous industry internship, co-op, or project completed in a relevant area
• Ability to relocate to the Bay Area, California or Boston for the duration of the internship
• Interns at Zoox may not use any proprietary information they are working on as part of their thesis, any published work with their university, or to be distributed to anyone outside of Zoox

Qualifications (It’s helpful if you meet a majority of the following qualifications, but it isn’t a requirement):

• Advanced understanding of Python or C++ (C++ preferred)
• Experience with production ML pipelines: dataset creation, labeling, training, metrics
• Experience training/finetuning MLLMs or at least MLLms (SFT/RL)
• Experience with Vision-Language Models
• Experience with model deployment with TensorRT
• Experience with Neural Network design and implementation
• Experience working with LiDAR, Camera and Radar data
• Experience with building and processing large scale dataset
• GPU/CUDA programming experience

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience with multimodal foundation model optimization techniques
• Experience in algorithm development for Autonomous Driving software

Compensation:

The monthly salary range for this position is $5,500 to $9,500. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level of education. Additional benefits may include medical insurance, and a housing stipend (relocation assistance will be offered based on eligibility).

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.

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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.