Machine Learning Engineer

About The Company Waymo is a pioneering autonomous driving technology company dedicated to transforming mobility and saving lives through innovative solutions. Originating from the Google Self-Driving Car Project launched in 2009, Waymo has established itself as a leader in developing advanced autonomous vehicle systems. The company's core mission is to become the world's most trusted driver by creating safe, reliable, and accessible autonomous transportation options. The flagship Waymo Driver, known as The World's Most Experienced Driver™, powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail services and is adaptable across various vehicle platforms and use cases. With over ten million rider-only trips, the Waymo Driver has autonomously driven more than 100 million miles on public roads across more than 15 U.S. states, complemented by tens of billions of miles in simulation. Waymo’s relentless focus on innovation and safety continues to push the boundaries of autonomous vehicle technology, making mobility safer and more accessible for all. About The Role We are seeking a talented and experienced Research Engineer to join our newly established team in London, UK, within the DUE Machine Learning division. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of autonomous vehicle simulation and evaluation systems. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with teams in Oxford and MTV to develop foundational models that enhance the realism and accuracy of AV simulations. You will be instrumental in designing experiments, developing metrics, training large-scale models, and integrating these models into our simulation platforms and downstream applications. Reporting to an Engineering Manager, you will be part of a world-class research engineering team dedicated to pushing the frontiers of autonomous vehicle simulation technology. This hybrid role requires a blend of research innovation and practical engineering skills, with an emphasis on applying cutting-edge machine learning techniques to improve the performance and realism of autonomous vehicle evaluations. You will also contribute to hiring efforts, fostering a diverse and talented team of research engineers committed to advancing Waymo’s mission. Qualifications * Minimum of 1 year of people management experience * 7+ years of applied Deep Learning experience * 7+ years of coding and system design skills * Proven ability to solve complex production problems using state-of-the-art machine learning techniques * Experience transitioning research prototypes into scalable production systems * Strong expertise in Data Analysis or Data Science * Advanced knowledge of simulation workflows and evaluation metrics for autonomous systems * Experience working with large models and foundation models in practical applications * Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with an ability to work across multidisciplinary teams Responsibilities * Collaborate with research and engineering teams to develop ultra-realistic AV simulation environments using foundation models * Design and execute experiments to push the boundaries of autonomous vehicle simulation realism * Develop and refine metrics to evaluate the fidelity of simulated worlds * Train, evaluate, and optimize large-scale models for integration into simulation platforms * Work closely with teams in Oxford and MTV to leverage large models for improved simulation accuracy * Contribute to the development of new evaluation and training products for autonomous vehicle systems * Assist in recruiting and mentoring talented research engineers from diverse backgrounds * Translate research ideas into scalable, production-ready solutions that enhance autonomous vehicle performance Benefits * Competitive salary range of £155,000—£163,000 GBP, commensurate with experience and skills * Participation in Waymo’s discretionary annual bonus program * Eligibility for the company’s equity incentive plan * Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance * Generous paid time off and holiday leave * Opportunities for professional development and career growth * Collaborative and innovative work environment with cutting-edge technology Equal Opportunity Waymo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We believe diversity drives innovation and are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.