Contract Student Worker - Data Scientist

Zoox
Foster City, CA
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

In the 12 months to 30 Jun 2026, Zoox filed 1 H-1B position titled "Senior Data Scientist". Source: U.S. Department of Labor, LCA disclosure data. A record of filings already made, not a commitment to sponsor.

Who this role is best for

A natural match if you have experience in forecasting and statistical modeling. Mid-level candidates seeking on-site, contract-based work in autonomous vehicle operations, collaborating cross-functionally on scalable analytics.

Best fit for

  • Students with master’s degrees in quantitative fields and hands-on forecasting experience
    — “Currently pursuing a master’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, operations research, industrial engineering, economics, applied mathematics, or another quantitative field”
  • Individuals who can translate complex models into actionable business insights
    — “Prototype AI-powered decision-support tools that explain forecast drivers”
  • Candidates comfortable with cross-functional collaboration and operational ambiguity
    — “Partner with Workforce Management, Finance, Strategy, Data Science, and operational leaders”

Things to consider

  • On-site presence in Foster City, CA is mandatory despite unspecified employment type
    — “Able to work on-site in Foster City CA”
  • Three-month minimum commitment may conflict with academic schedules
    — “Available to commit to a minimum three-month assignment”

How to stand out

  • Highlight coursework or projects involving scenario planning and model evaluation
    — “Evaluate model performance through backtesting, forecast-versus-actual reporting”
  • Demonstrate experience converting manual workflows into scalable analytics
    — “Convert spreadsheet-based planning processes into reproducible, scalable, and well-documented analytical workflows”
  • Showcase ability to explain technical outputs for non-technical stakeholders
    — “Communicate model outputs”
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Intern

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Develop forecasting models for fleet availability
  • Convert spreadsheet-based planning processes into reproducible workflows
  • Evaluate model performance through backtesting
Typical background
Master’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, operations research, industrial engineering, economics, applied mathematics

Skills & requirements

Required

Forecasting ModelsStatistical MethodsMachine LearningAi-enabled ToolsModel EvaluationUncertaintyExplainabilityHuman Oversight

Preferred

LlmsCoding CopilotsApisAgent Frameworks

Stack & domain

ForecastingStatistical MethodsMachine LearningAi-enabled ToolsModel EvaluationUncertaintyExplainabilityHuman OversightCommunicationProblem-solvingCross-functional CollaborationAutonomous TechnologyFleet OperationsAi-native Technical Skill Set

About the role

Original posting from Zoox via Lever

About Zoox

Zoox is an autonomous ridehailing company building the world's first purpose-built robotaxi — fully electric, bidirectional, with no steering wheel or driver's seat. Backed by Amazon and founded to make transportation safer, cleaner, and more accessible, Zoox designs its vehicles entirely around the rider. We're currently operating in Las Vegas and San Francisco, with Austin and Miami on the horizon, and testing underway across seven U.S. markets.

About Our Contract Student Worker Program

Zoox's contract student worker program puts you at the center of one of the most ambitious challenges in transportation. You'll contribute to real projects, work alongside engineers and researchers pushing the boundaries of autonomous technology, and gain experience that goes well beyond the classroom. We're looking for students who bring strong academic foundations, curiosity that doesn't stop at coursework, and a drive to be part of something that matters.

Role Overview

As a Data Scientist focused on forecasting, you will help Fleet Operations anticipate the resources required to scale an autonomous vehicle service across markets. You will develop forecasting and scenario-planning capabilities across fleet availability, supply, staffing, operational demand, charging, and infrastructure. Your work will inform high-impact planning decisions and create a shared, data-driven view of future operational needs.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop forecasting models for fleet availability, supply hours, staffing, operational workload, charging demand, and infrastructure needs
  • Convert spreadsheet-based planning processes into reproducible, scalable, and well-documented analytical workflows
  • Evaluate model performance through backtesting, forecast-versus-actual reporting, and clearly defined accuracy measures

Required Qualifications:

  • Build scenario models that help leaders understand the staffing, cost, and infrastructure implications of operational changes and market growth
  • [placeholder]
  • Combine statistical methods, machine learning, and AI-enabled tools to improve forecasts and make model outputs easier to interpret
  • Prototype AI-powered decision-support tools that explain forecast drivers, identify emerging risks, and allow leaders to explore planning scenarios

Bonus Qualifications:

  • Partner with Workforce Management, Finance, Strategy, Data Science, and operational leaders to align assumptions and establish a shared operating forecast
  • Currently pursuing a master’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, operations research, industrial engineering, economics, applied mathematics, or another quantitative field
  • Experience with forecasting, statistical modeling, optimization, simulation, or machine learning through coursework, research, internships, or professional projects
  • Communicate model outputs
  • An AI-native technical skill set, with demonstrated experience using LLMs, coding copilots, APIs, or agent frameworks to develop analytical products or automate technical workflows
  • Strong understanding of model evaluation, uncertainty, explainability, and human oversight.

Program Requirements:

  • Ability to select the right analytical approach for the problem rather than defaulting to the most complex model.
  • Currently enrolled in a B.S. or M.S. program in a relevant discipline.
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Available to commit to a minimum three-month assignment.
  • Able to commit a minimum of 20 hours per week.
  • Able to work on-site in Foster City CA.
  • Must adhere with Zoox confidentiality requirements, including refraining from using or sharing proprietary company information outside of Zoox, such as in academic research, theses, publications, or presentations.

About Zoox

Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to accommodations@zoox.com or your assigned recruiter.

A Final Note:

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Source: Zoox careers (Lever)

More roles at Zoox