Senior Staff / Principal Machine Learning Engineer - Autonomy Behaviors
Foster City, CA
- Pay
USD 340,000–492,000/year — pay source
Salary 340,000 – 492,000 USD per year About Zoox
Read the full posting- Work setting
Hybrid — work setting source
Work setup in the employer’s posting: hybrid
From the employer’s posting- Employment
Full-time — employment source
Employment type Full-time
Employment type in the employer’s posting: Full-time
From the employer’s posting
What you’ll work on
Full postingSet the technical direction of ML development for the Planner
Develop new ML models for the onboard Planner using imitation learning and RL
Identify and drive ML force-multipliers such as metrics, data and training frameworks
Bring Zoox's Foundation Models into the ML Planner
Mentor the broader group of ML developers at Zoox
From the employer’s posting
Set the technical direction of ML development for the future of our Planner
Push the frontiers of imitation learning, reinforcement learning, and model scaling to develop new ML models for our onboard Planner
Identify and drive force-multipliers for ML development, including metrics, data, and training frameworks
Develop new methods to leverage Zoox’s Foundation Models into the ML Planner
Provide technical mentorship to the broader group of ML developers at Zoox
What you’ll bring
All qualificationsCore experience
- Prior experience with Prediction and Planning for autonomous vehicles
Qualification wording
Prior experience with Prediction and Planning for autonomous vehicles
Education & alternatives
Qualifications - BS, MS, or PhD degree in computer science or related field - Proven track record of technical leadership in large-scale AI organizations
Tools in this posting
- C++
- Python
Source — Tool mentions in context
- Significant experience with training and deploying Deep Learning models to production - Fluency in C++ or Fluency in Python with a basic understanding of C++ - Extensive experience with programming and algorithm design-Strong mathematics skills, 10+ years of experience
About Amazon
Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market.
In the employer’s words · Read in context
Posting record
Report an errorOpen 6 monthsWe first saw this posting 197 days ago and it is still up. Roles open this long are often slow to fill or kept open to collect applications.
- Status in our records
- Live
- First seen by us
- Apr 15, 2026 · 197 days ago
- Recorded sightings
- 233
- Last seen by us
- Oct 29, 2026
- Employer says posted
- Nov 4, 2025
These dates show when we found the posting. Check the employer’s website to confirm it is still accepting applications.
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Job description
The Autonomy Behaviors team is responsible for producing our vehicle’s driving trajectory. As a Principal ML Engineer, you will lead the technical development of machine learning algorithms for our next-generation ML Planner. Your impact will range from delivering innovations for immediate milestones to pioneering exploratory projects. You will collaborate closely with teams specializing in Foundation Models, Perception, Simulation, and Safety Validation, in influencing our autonomy stack. Your role will look at problems in a way that crosses team boundaries to prototype new approaches that influence the long term technical direction of multiple organizations within the company.
In this role, you will:
- Set the technical direction of ML development for the future of our Planner
- Push the frontiers of imitation learning, reinforcement learning, and model scaling to develop new ML models for our onboard Planner
- Identify and drive force-multipliers for ML development, including metrics, data, and training frameworks
- Develop new methods to leverage Zoox’s Foundation Models into the ML Planner
- Provide technical mentorship to the broader group of ML developers at Zoox
- Collaborate with engineers across Autonomy Software, Simulation, System Design and Mission Assurance, and other departments to solve the overall Autonomous Driving problem in complex urban environments
Qualifications
- BS, MS, or PhD degree in computer science or related field
- Proven track record of technical leadership in large-scale AI organizations
- Significant experience with training and deploying Deep Learning models to production
- Fluency in C++ or Fluency in Python with a basic understanding of C++
- Extensive experience with programming and algorithm design-Strong mathematics skills, 10+ years of experience
Bonus Qualifications
- Conference or Journal publications in Machine Learning or Robotics related venues
- Prior experience with Prediction and Planning for autonomous vehicles
Base Salary Range
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.
Salary
340,000 – 492,000 USD per year
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.
Employment type
Full-time
Source details
Source notes
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- Pay
Salary 340,000 – 492,000 USD per year About Zoox
- Location & working pattern
Foster City, CA
Working pattern and location restrictions need checking in the full posting.
- Work authorization
No clear work-authorization passage found. Eligibility is unconfirmed.
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