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

General Motors is seeking highly motivated interns to research and evaluate AI-driven approaches for autonomous robotic systems. The role involves hands-on experimentation, algorithm development, and integration of multi-modal sensor data to advance robotics capabilities. Responsibilities 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 Review the state-of-the-art in camera- and LiDAR-based algorithms 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 Skills 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: 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 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 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 Company Overview General Motors is an automotive company that designs, produces, markets, and distributes vehicles and vehicle parts. It was founded in 1908, and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is Company H1B Sponsorship General Motors has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 787 in 2025, 740 in 2024, 450 in 2023, 795 in 2022, 748 in 2021, 452 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.