Senior ML Validation Engineer at General Motors in Sunnyvale, CA

Job Description

The Senior ML Validation Research Engineer will lead applied machine learning research focused on improving verification and validation of ML components used in robotics and autonomous driving systems. This role centers on simulation-based evaluation, uncertainty modeling, scenario coverage automation, and transforming advanced ML research into working prototypes that enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and coverage of ML system validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Prototype research concepts into performant tools integrated into CI/CD and large-scale validation pipelines.
• Advance ML research for open and and closed loop simulation validation.
• Develop scenario generation, coverage-guided testing, and rare-event discovery tooling.
• Create robust metrics, predictors, uncertainty and Out-of-Distribution detection methods for autonomy ML systems.
• Evaluate deep learning modules across perception, prediction, and planning in realistic sensor and traffic simulation.
• Improve behavioral coverage and hazard-aligned metrics used in release readiness decision making.
• Collaborate with Simulation, Safety, Systems Engineering, and cross-functional partners.
• Author technical documentation, white papers, and contribute to validation methodology standards.

Research Focus Areas

• Scenario synthesis (diffusion models, generative models, counterfactuals)
• Coverage-based and fuzzing-based evaluation for autonomy behavior
• Uncertainty estimation, calibration, conformal prediction, OOD detection
• Robustness testing and perturbation frameworks
• Test suite prioritization, failure mining, and regression analysis

Required Qualifications

• MS + 5 years, or PhD + 3 years in ML, Robotics, Computer Science, or work related experience
• Experience with simulation-driven ML evaluation for robotics/autonomy
• Strong proficiency in Python, PyTorch/JAX/TensorFlow
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex ML research ideas into functional prototypes
• Experience integrating ML evaluation into CI/CD pipelines
• Proven research impact through published work, internal tools, or patents
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate cross-functionally

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with autonomy stacks (perception/prediction/planning).
• Familiarity with CARLA, SVL, DriveSim, Applied Intuition, or equivalent simulation platforms.
• Knowledge of Bayesian ML, causal inference, and sequential testing.
• Experience with digital twin systems and sensor simulation.
• Understanding of automotive safety standards (ISO 26262, UL 4600, SOTIF).
• Experience building validation dashboards and scorecards connected to release criteria.

Success Criteria

• Faster detection of ML regressions with improved test efficiency
• Improved uncertainty and robustness metrics that support release decisions
• Prototype tools integrated into production validation workflows
• Tangible contributions to simulation strategy, hazard coverage, and ML confidence scoring

Compensation: The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.

• The salary range for this role is $144,700- $261,300. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

• Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance. Benefits:

• Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

#GM-AV-1

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.