Waymo · 1 day ago
Senior Staff Machine Learning Engineer, Simulation
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$281K/yr - $356K/yr
7+ years expWaymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. The role involves leading a small team to develop machine learning evaluation metrics and scalable systems for training generative models, while ensuring cross-functional alignment and providing technical mentorship.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)AutomotiveAutonomous VehiclesSensorTransportation
Responsibilities
Develop and drive the end-to-end strategy for our next generation of machine learning-based evaluation metrics, championing scientific and statistical rigor across our embodied AI applications
Architect and build scalable systems for training and fine-tuning large-scale generative models to produce realistic and evaluate interesting driving behaviors
Lead the design, implementation, and iteration of novel RL algorithms, reward functions, and training paradigms tailored for generating high-fidelity and insightful driving behaviors
Lead the development of cutting-edge Deep Learning models and Generative AI (LLM/VLM) solutions to enhance human-led triaging, introduce automation for high-volume workflows, and perform nuanced analysis of self-driving behavior to detect critical anomalies
Proactively monitor and assimilate best practices from within Alphabet and the broader industry to develop a novel Reinforcement Learning from Human Preference (RLHF) based data collection and evaluation system
Provide technical mentorship, guidance, and thought leadership to other engineers within the team and across collaborating groups
Guide and align multiple teams—including Driver Understanding, Simulation, System Engineering, Research, and Onboard Software—on a cohesive evaluation strategy, ensuring cross-functional alignment on goals and priorities
Qualification
Required
PhD degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
7+ years of hands-on experience in developing and applying Machine Learning models, with a significant focus on Reinforcement Learning
Demonstrated expertise in deep learning, sequence modeling, and generative models
Strong publication record or history of impactful project delivery in RL or related areas
Proficiency in Python and standard ML frameworks (e.g., JAX, TensorFlow)
Experience with large-scale distributed training and data processing
Proven ability to lead complex and ambiguous technical projects from conception to completion
Preferred
10+ years of relevant experience in ML/RL research and application
Experience in the autonomous vehicles domain, robotics, or complex simulation environments
Deep understanding of state-of-the-art RL techniques, including those used for fine-tuning large models (e.g., from human feedback/preferences)
Familiarity with large-scale simulation platforms and their integration with ML training workflows
Experience designing and using metrics for evaluating complex AI systems
Track record of technical leadership, influencing senior stakeholders, and driving innovation across team boundaries
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly
Benefits
Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program
Equity incentive plan
Generous Company benefits program
Company
Waymo
Waymo is a mobility technology company that improves transportation by developing self-driving solutions for travelers and daily commuters. It is a sub-organization of Alphabet.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Waymo has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (231)
2024 (175)
2023 (268)
2022 (306)
2021 (298)
2020 (317)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.1BKey Investors
Alphabet
2024-07-23Series C· $5.6B
2021-06-16Series B· $2.5B
2020-05-12Series A· $750M
Leadership Team
Tekedra Mawakana
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Elisa de Martel
Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2025-12-31
2025-12-30
EIN Presswire
2025-12-30
Company data provided by crunchbase