Machine Learning Research Mapping Intern - Spring 2027 - Santa Clara, CA

Location: Santa Clara, California - United States of America

Location(s): Santa Clara, CA Job Schedule: 12-week program Degree Level: Master's - PhD Level Students Preferred Degree: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, or related field

Shape the Future of Mobility at Nissan: Launch Your Career, Drive Innovation

We are currently looking for an Autonomous Systems Research Intern to join our team in Santa Clara, CA. With a focus on mobility and autonomous driving technologies, Nissan is seeking researchers who want to challenge themselves, develop their skills, and contribute to the future of intelligent vehicles.

On our team, we focus on enabling autonomous vehicles to maintain an accurate understanding of road environments through advanced mapping and perception technologies. As road networks continuously evolve due to construction, temporary lane changes, new traffic controls, and infrastructure updates, autonomous driving systems must be able to detect these changes and keep map information up to date. As an intern, you will contribute to research that enables autonomous vehicles to automatically detect changes in road environments and support the creation of continuously updated, self-improving maps for future mobility systems.

Working closely with researchers and engineers, you will develop and evaluate algorithms that compare observed sensor data with existing map information, identify inconsistencies in road geometry and traffic infrastructure, and support the development of automated map maintenance solutions.

A Day in the Life

Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge research in high-definition mapping, road structure estimation, and automated map maintenance for autonomous vehicles.

Develop practical skills in large-scale geospatial data analysis, algorithm validation, performance evaluation, and data-driven engineering.

Design, develop, and evaluate algorithms that compare vehicle sensor observations with existing map data.

Analyze road geometry, lane configurations, traffic controls, and infrastructure changes using autonomous vehicle datasets.

Collaborate with experienced autonomous vehicle engineers and researchers on advanced mapping and perception projects.

Who We're Looking For

Required

Must be currently enrolled in a Master's or PhD degree program in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.

GPA of 3.0 or above (Candidates will be required to provide an official or unofficial transcript during the application process for verification.)

Strong programming skills in C++ and/or Python.

Experience working with large datasets and quantitative data analysis.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Self-motivated with a willingness to challenge yourself and continuously develop your technical capabilities.

Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research and development environment.

Interest in autonomous vehicles, mapping technologies, perception systems, robotics, or mobility solutions.

Ability to perform work onsite in Santa Clara, CA.

Preferred

Experience with autonomous driving technologies, robotics, machine learning, or computer vision.

Familiarity with geospatial data processing, mapping systems, or localization technologies.

Experience with algorithm development, data validation, and performance evaluation methodologies.

Knowledge of sensor systems such as cameras, lidar, radar, or GPS/IMU technologies.

Experience with cloud computing, large-scale data processing, or simulation environments.

What You'll Look Forward to at Nissan

Connection and Collaboration: We offer Business Synergy Teams (ERGs) and opportunities for our employees to strengthen their relationships and meet people from similar and diverse backgrounds to foster a culture of belonging.

Professional Training and Development: Expand your knowledge and skills through Nissan's rich innovation offerings, seminars, learning platforms, and leadership trainings.

Nissan is committed to a drug-free workplace. All employment is contingent upon the successful completion of drug and background screenings in accordance with Nissan policies and in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. Nissan will consider qualified candidates with arrest or conviction records for employment in a manner consistent with these laws.

It is Nissan’s policy to provide Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, gender, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law. Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire; Nissan uses E-Verify to validate employment eligibility.

NISSAN FOR EVERYONE

People are our most valuable assets, and Nissan seeks to maximize the power of each individual member of our team. When everyone belongs, the power of NISSAN is undeniable. Nissan aims to improve business results through a workplace and business that meets the needs of our employees and customer base.

Nissan is committed to creating a culture where everyone belongs and employees, customers, and partners feel respected, valued, and heard. We have Business Synergy Teams (BSTs) across the Americas that are open to all employees and seek to connect employees through common interests and foster a company culture where all employees feel supported and included.

Nissan also values inclusion in our business as we respect and recognize the diversity of our customer base and the communities where we do business. We are committed to procuring innovative goods and services, retailing our products, and communicating from a position that will help us continue to offer our customers competitively designed, market-driven products.

Join us as we carry our commitment to our em