2026 Summer Intern – Software Engineer, Autonomous Robot (phd)

Internship Opportunity

We are seeking highly motivated interns to research, explore, and evaluate cutting-edge AI-driven approaches for robot localization/map construction, perception, motion planning, scenario simulation, and data engineering. The role will involve hands-on experimentation, algorithm development, and integration of multi-modal sensor data to advance autonomous robotic systems.

The Robotics Software team is developing the next generation of autonomous robotic systems, focusing on autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and intelligent robotic platforms. We develop full-stack robotics capabilities—from perception and planning to control and system integration—bringing innovative, real-world autonomous solutions to the future of the work.

We are looking for a self-motivated intern to prototype the development of AI-driven sense-plan-act architecture that supports the development, testing, and validation of autonomous robotic systems in manufacturing plants. In this role, you will focus on developing camera- and LiDAR-based wheel-drive robotic system, design technical specification, creating and executing test plan, integrating the software with physical and simulation platforms, and enabling teams to accomplish the technical and business objectives. You will work cross-functionally with experts in autonomy, contributing to system-level validation and the continuous improvement of system robustness and validation workflows.

You will focus on one or more of the following areas:

• Localization
• Data Engineering
• Simulation
• Perception
• Motion Planning

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and implement high-precision localization methods using camera, LiDAR, wheel encoder and inertial sensors.
• Develop scalable and real-time localization module optimized for autonomous robotic systems.
• Create engineering specifications and test procedures to ensure system compliance.
• Evaluate and benchmark the performance of systems.
• Troubleshoot using strong knowledge of probabilistic estimation, sensor fusion, and real-time system implementation.
• Adjust and fine-tune system parameters to improve accuracy and robustness.

Required qualifications include:

• Has a Masters Degree and is currently enrolled in a PhD program in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related technical fields.
• Proficiency in C++ or Python.
• Adhere to continuous development and deployment practices in robotic software development.

Expertise in one or more of the technical areas is preferred:

• Camera- and LiDAR-based localization algorithms, statistical estimation theory, and practices such as pose graph and factor graph optimization and implementation.
• Understanding state-of-the-art solutions in place recognition for addressing loop-closure detection issues.
• Perception, e.g., feature embedding, object detection, bird's eye view (BEV) semantic representation.
• Motion path planning algorithms, e.g., Nav2.
• Simulation engines: e.g., IsaacSim, IsaacLab, and etc.
• Dataset curation and annotation tools.
• Experience optimizing algorithm/software to balance performance within resource constraints.
• Familiarity with ROS2 or other robotics middleware.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Machine learning knowledge and practice experience.
• Proficiency with deep learning frameworks and toolchains like PyTorch and TensorFlow.
• Familiarity with repositories like DETR, BEVformer, BEVfusion, SAMv2, Ceres Library/GTSAM, ORB-SLAM, VINS-Mono, and etc.
• Experience working with cloud-based data collection and data pipeline systems.
• AV/ADAS integration or industrial automation experience is a bonus.
• Graduating between December 2026 and June 2027.

Compensation:

• The monthly salary range for this role is $10,400 - $12,300 dependent upon class status and degree.
• GM will provide a one-time lump sum taxable stipend payment to eligible students selected for the 2026 Student Program.

What you'll get from us (Benefits):

• Paid US GM Holidays
• GM Family First Vehicle Discount Program
• Result-based potential for growth within GM
• Intern events to network with company leaders and peers

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:

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