2027 Summer Intern, SEAM, Embodied AI (PhD)
About The Position
The State Estimation, Alignment, and Mapping (SEAM) team develops sensing and spatial-understanding capabilities that help autonomous vehicles determine their position, interpret their surroundings, and operate reliably over time. Its work includes sensor fusion, state estimation, real-time localization, sensor calibration, next-generation mapping, and capabilities supporting primary and fallback driving systems. The team combines robotics, computer vision, estimation theory, machine learning, geometry, and production software engineering for onboard autonomy and offboard map and data-generation workflows. The intern will complete a well-scoped research or engineering project related to sensing, estimation, localization, mapping, or autonomy reliability, working with experienced engineers and researchers to design algorithms, implement software, evaluate performance, and understand how sensing capabilities work in autonomous driving systems. Possible areas include state estimation and sensor fusion, sensor alignment and calibration, localization, next-generation mapping, and fallback or secondary capabilities. This internship is categorized as on-site, with the selected intern expected to report to the Sunnyvale office three days per week. The role is for a Ph.D. student available to work full-time, 40 hours per week, during the internship. The stated monthly salary is $14,600. Eligible students selected for the 2027 Student Program will receive a one-time taxable lump-sum stipend.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in or pursuing a Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field.
- Demonstrated experience through coursework, research, academic projects, or professional work in robotics, state estimation, sensor fusion, computer vision, localization, mapping, controls, or a related area.
- Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python.
- Strong foundation in linear algebra, probability, geometry, optimization, or estimation methods.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional, team-oriented environment.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Availability to work full-time, 40 hours per week, during the internship period.
- Must be graduating between December 2027 and June 2028.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Kalman filtering, factor graphs, SLAM, visual-inertial odometry, bundle adjustment, point clouds, geometric computer vision, or multi-sensor calibration.
- Familiarity with autonomous vehicles, advanced driver assistance systems, robotics, ROS, or safety-critical systems.
- Experience with large-scale sensor or map datasets, simulation, data association, or offline evaluation.
- Experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or JAX.
- Familiarity with real-time systems, distributed systems, high-performance computing, or production software development.
- Intent to return to a degree program after completion of the internship or co-op.
Responsibilities
- Develop, prototype, and evaluate algorithms for sensor fusion, state estimation, localization, calibration, mapping, or related autonomy capabilities.
- Work with camera, lidar, radar, inertial, vehicle, map, and other multimodal data sources.
- Implement software and tools for data processing, visualization, offline analysis, simulation, and system evaluation.
- Analyze accuracy, robustness, latency, and failure modes across diverse operating conditions.
- Apply software engineering practices, including design reviews, code reviews, automated testing, continuous integration, and documentation.
- Collaborate with perception, planning, controls, robotics, systems engineering, and vehicle-program partners.
- Communicate technical findings and contribute to design discussions and project documentation.
Benefits
- Paid U.S. GM holidays.
- GM Family First Vehicle Discount Program.
- Potential for growth within GM based on performance and business needs.
- Intern events and opportunities to network with company leaders and peers.
- Mentorship and hands-on experience with the data and ML foundations behind autonomy.
- One-time lump-sum taxable stipend for eligible students selected for the 2027 Student Program.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
