Role Overview
Waymo is hiring a senior-level Machine Learning Engineer, Simulation Realism. This is a full-time hybrid role, based in Mountain View. Part of Waymo's Qa hiring. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.
Salary Context
Salary is not disclosed in this posting. Market median for Senior-level Qa roles is $122k-$172k (based on 164 comparable listings). Many employers share specifics during the interview process or after an initial screen.
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Job description
Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver—The World's Most Experienced Driver™—to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
The Simulator Team at Waymo builds state-of-the-art simulations of realistic environments for testing and training the Waymo Driver. Our team is a diverse,, and collaborative group of software engineers, machine learning (ML) engineers, and data scientists. We develop industry-leading simulation solutions using advanced ML algorithms that measure and enhance the performance of the Waymo Driver. By applying machine learning, we model the real world, including realistic agents (vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists), roads, traffic control systems, and weather conditions.
To increase the fidelity and steerability of our simulations, we employ the latest ML technologies such as large foundation models trained on our datasets and diffusion technology. We also invest in capable infrastructure that allows us to quickly set up and roll out multiple scenarios to rigorously test our autonomous driving systems.
In this hybrid role, you will report to a Senior Engineering Manager
You will:
- Be part of a world-class applied ML team dedicated to advancing ultra-realistic autonomous vehicle (AV) simulations by leveraging Generative AI technologies.
- Apply deep domain expertise in ML, especially GenAI, to push the boundaries of simulation realism and autonomous driving capabilities.
- Independently manage the entire lifecycle of product innovations, from prototyping to productization, scaling simulations and data processing systems.
- Work within a collaborative applied ML engineering team that transforms research ideas into production-ready solutions.
You have:
- 7+ years experience in applied Deep Learning
- 7+ years coding and design skills
- 7+ years of experience solving complex production problems using state-of-the-art ML techniques
- 7+ years of experience taking research to production
- Expertise in Data Analysis or Data Science
We prefer:
- PhD degree in Computer Science or a similar discipline
- Direct experience in Generative AI, including multi-modal foundation models and Diffusion models.
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. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
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.
About Waymo
Waymo
waymo.com
340 other open roles at Waymo on TryApplyNow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Machine Learning Engineer, Simulation Realism position at Waymo?
Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to Waymo. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.
Is the Machine Learning Engineer, Simulation Realism role at Waymo remote or in-office?
This is a hybrid role based in Mountain View. Expect a mix of in-office and remote days, with the specific cadence set by the hiring manager.
What does a Machine Learning Engineer, Simulation Realism at Waymo earn?
Waymo has not disclosed a salary range in this posting. Many employers share specifics later in the interview process; you can also ask during a recruiter screen if compensation transparency is important to you.
When was the Machine Learning Engineer, Simulation Realism role at Waymo posted?
This role was posted on June 17, 2026 (34 days ago). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.
How much experience does the Machine Learning Engineer, Simulation Realism role at Waymo require?
This is a senior-level position. Most senior roles call for 5+ years of directly relevant experience. Waymo lists their specific requirements in the description below, so review the must-have qualifications closely before applying.
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