ML Research Scientist, Prediction & Smart Agents

About the role

Nuro is seeking a researcher to advance autonomous driving software as the company transitions toward licensing its technology for robotaxis and personal vehicles. You will focus on building intelligent agents and predictive models that allow vehicles to navigate complex environments safely. This position involves developing core algorithms that define how our autonomous systems interpret and react to the world around them. The role requires a deep commitment to safety and reliability in every line of code you write. You will be responsible for ensuring that your models perform robustly in real-world driving scenarios. This position is critical to enabling Nuro's long-term vision for scalable and autonomous transportation solutions. Your work will directly influence the future of how people and goods move in urban environments.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and implement machine learning models to forecast the behavior of road users in dense traffic.
• Create smart agent frameworks that enable autonomous vehicles to make safe, real-time decisions under uncertainty.
• Improve the Nuro Driver software stack to support diverse vehicle platforms and a wide range of use cases.
• Conduct research to solve high-stakes challenges in motion planning and environmental perception for dynamic scenes.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate research prototypes into production-grade autonomous systems efficiently.
• Analyze large-scale driving data to identify patterns that improve prediction accuracy and system performance.
• Develop simulation scenarios that stress-test agent behaviors and validate model robustness before deployment.
• Work closely with product managers to align technical solutions with business and user requirements.
• Document methodologies and results clearly to facilitate knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Explore novel algorithmic approaches to perception and prediction that push the boundaries of current autonomous systems.

Requirements

• Hold an advanced degree in Computer Science, Robotics, or a related quantitative field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrate proven experience in machine learning with a focus on prediction, reinforcement learning, or behavioral modeling.
• Show proficiency in developing and deploying autonomous driving or robotics software in real-world conditions.
• Possess the ability to translate complex research concepts into functional, production-ready code.
• Have a strong grasp of software engineering best practices and version control systems.
• Be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving project requirements.
• Exhibit excellent problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to debugging complex systems.
• Commit to adhering to the highest standards of safety and ethical responsibility in model development.

Nice to have

• Experience working with large-scale sensor data from cameras, lidar, and radar systems.
• Background in multi-agent systems or game theory applications for robotics and autonomous driving.
• Familiarity with the Nuro Toolkit or similar proprietary autonomous software environments.
• Prior experience contributing to open-source machine learning frameworks.
• Knowledge of edge computing constraints and optimization techniques for embedded systems.
• Exposure to simulation platforms commonly used in autonomous vehicle testing.
• Understanding of regulatory and compliance considerations for autonomous driving technology.

Practical notes

Nuro recently secured $106 million in funding to support its pivot toward licensing automated driving software for third-party manufacturers. Applicants must agree to the Nuro Privacy Policy and Terms of Use during the submission process. Only full-time positions are eligible for this role, and remote work is not available. The position is based in Mountain View, California, and requires authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship at this time. There are no specific travel requirements for this role. Applicants are encouraged to submit all materials before the review period closes to ensure full consideration. The hiring team reviews applications on a rolling basis, so early submission is recommended.

This role is integral to the next phase of Nuro's growth as it expands its technology to new vehicle platforms and commercial partnerships. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team that values innovation, safety, and rigorous scientific inquiry. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on challenging problems that have a direct impact on real-world transportation systems. This is a rare chance to contribute to the development of cutting-edge autonomous driving technology at a company with a clear path to market deployment. If you are passionate about robotics, prediction models, and intelligent agent design, this position offers the environment to grow and make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to building diverse teams and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.