Staff Machine Learning Engineer, DUE

Job Summary

The Driver Understanding and Evaluation (DUE) team at Waymo is seeking a researcher and software engineer to lead the development of cutting-edge deep learning and machine learning models for enhancing human-led triaging and introducing automation for high-volume workflows. This role involves designing and building Gen AI LLM/VLM solutions for self-driving car behavior analysis and anomaly detection, monitoring and assimilating best practices from within Alphabet and the broader industry, and collaborating with product and business teams to design and implement tools for multi-label classifications, sentiment assessment, comment summarization, root cause analysis, and trend analysis of rider feedback.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of cutting edge Deep Learning and machine learning models to enhance human-led triaging and introduce automation for high-volume workflows
• Design and build Gen AI LLM/VLM solutions for self-driving car behavior analysis and anomaly detection
• Proactively monitor and assimilate best practices from within Alphabet and the broader industry to develop a Reinforcement Learning from human preference-based data collection and evaluation system
• Enhance User Feedback Analysis, collaborate seamlessly with product and business teams to design and implement tools for multi-label classifications, sentiment assessment, comment summarization, root cause analysis and trend analysis of rider feedback
• Oversee the production and optimization of machine learning models aiming to assess Waymo’s expansive fleet of vehicles that cumulatively travel millions of miles
• Drive technical direction, and provide technical inputs and guidance to the team
• Work closely with PMs and TPMs to help define product requirements and align the technical agenda with the company's business objectives
• Collaborate closely with multiple teams (e.g., Prediction, Planning, Research), other technical leads, and senior leaderships across Waymo to deliver on key strategic efforts

Requirements

• B.S. in Computer Science, Robotics, Machine Learning, similar technical field of study, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong coding experience in C++ and/or Python
• Experience in at least one of: Foundational Models, VLM, Deep Learning
• 5+ years of experience with hands-on experience in machine learning projects
• Experience with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hugging Face's transformers, along with expertise in deep learning models and ML deployment at scale
• M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science or related quantitative field with a specialization of machine learning
• Deep learning experience with Transformers
• Gen AI LLM/VLM experience
• Experience with building tools for applied machine learning, including MLOps, evaluation/validation techniques, and model performance optimization
• Large-scale data processing and analytical skills

Qualifications

• Passionate about developing machine learning techniques for the Evaluation systems on our autonomous vehicles
• Incessant drive to improve the performance of our technology stack
• Collaborative and proactive approach to problem-solving
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Benefits

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.