Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Perception

Zoox is hiring a Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Perception in Foster City, United States. It pays $225k-$305k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on Zoox.

Level's read on this job

Level rates this machine learning engineer role Builds AI ●●●●: the job is building AI systems.
The listed pay starts 13% above the typical machine learning engineer posting on Level.
Tools and skills the posting cites include PyTorch and AI data labeling.
Level classifies it as a senior role.
Level lists 224 other open roles at Zoox.

AI in this role

pytorch

ai-data-labeling

As a Perception Engineer, you will be instrumental in designing and implementing cutting-edge detection models, utilizing fused sensor data. In particular, the role will be on advanced projects that are aimed at the next generation of driving software, including looking at joint detection and tracking models as well as ways to send rich embeddings to downstream models to relay semantic meaning and capture uncertainty. This role offers a unique opportunity to directly impact Zoox's expansion into new areas. By developing more generalizable and adaptable models, you will help us navigate diverse and challenging circumstances, accelerating our mission to deliver safe and reliable autonomous mobility. We are looking for a highly motivated individual passionate about pushing the boundaries of perception in the autonomous vehicle space.

In this role, you will:

Train ML models, perform various studies into incorporating SOTA approaches as well as ablations/modifications of existing models
Document experimental outcomes and drive towards deploying these models into Zoox robots
Visualize your data at the input and output to understand the issues
Collaborate with teams such as ML optimization, data labeling, metrics and planner to ensure project is successful for Zoox releases

Qualifications

MS/PhD in Computer Science or related field
Experience with PyTorch or related ML frameworks
Experience deploying learned models into production
Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills with proven track record of working on large-scale problems

Bonus Qualifications

Prior experience in the AV or related space with joint detection and tracking models
Deep understanding of how to setup end-to-end training and evaluation processes

About ZooxZoox 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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AccommodationsIf 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.

How we rate this

Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Perception at Zoox rates 89 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Builds AI (AI Level 4 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Builds AI. The job is building AI systems.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Perception is an open job at Zoox.
Level rates this role AI Level 4 of 4: Builds AI.
The listed salary is $225k-$305k a year.
The role is based in Foster City, CA.
The job was posted on May 20, 2025.
Seniority: senior.
Applications are handled by Zoox. Apply on Zoox

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

AI Data LabelingPyTorch

Also common in machine learning engineer jobs at this level

Python LLM TensorFlow Deep learning AWS Generative AI

Pay

This job starts at: $225k
Typical machine learning engineer job: $200k

This posting starts 13% above the typical machine learning engineer job. See machine learning engineer jobs

Questions you could be asked

How do you keep labeling instructions consistent across a large annotation team?
Walk me through how you've used PyTorch in your day-to-day work.
How would you decide a model or AI system is ready to ship?
Tell me about a time a model underperformed in production. How did you find out, and what did you change?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: AI Data Labeling and PyTorch. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.
Lead with what you built, trained or shipped. This role is judged on the AI system itself, not the tools around it.

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