---
title: 'Engineer I, VLA Model Development (Intern) at Cariad, Inc.'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/engineer-i-vla-model-development-intern-cariad-inc-mountain-view-x8qasfnagpt9'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-24'
---

# Engineer I, VLA Model Development (Intern) at Cariad, Inc.

- **Company:** Cariad, Inc.
- **Location:** Mountain View, CA
- **Posted:** 2026-10-23
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-24
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/cariadinc/jobs/5462798008

## Job description

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

​Role Summary:

The Engineer I, VLA Model Development (Intern) will support model research and development for autonomous driving at CARIAD INC. and the Volkswagen Group. Working with researchers and engineers, this role will develop and evaluate vision-language-action (VLA) models that connect visual observations and language with driving actions. Depending on project needs and research strengths, the work may focus on perception, scene understanding, or world models that predict how driving environments evolve.

Role Responsibilities:

VLA Model and Development

- Prototype, train, and fine-tune VLA models or supporting perception and world-model components.
- Investigate recent methods and implement a focused research project with mentor guidance.

Data and Experimentation

- Prepare driving datasets and evaluation splits; improve data quality and coverage.
- Run controlled experiments and ablations and maintain reproducible configurations and experiment records.

Evaluation and Integration

- Measure model accuracy, driving behavior, robustness, and inference cost.
- Analyze failures in offline and simulation evaluation; collaborate with planning and deployment engineers on model interfaces.

Documentation and Collaboration

- Document methods, results, and limitations; review code and present findings.
- Deliver a reproducible prototype and a final technical report.

​General Skills:

- Analytical thinking and structured problem solving; clear written and verbal communication; careful documentation; collaboration across research and engineering teams.

​Required Specialized Skills:

- Strong Python programming skills and practical experience with PyTorch or an equivalent deep learning framework.
- Foundations in deep learning, linear algebra, probability, and experimental design.
- Hands-on experience in at least one area: vision-language-action models, computer vision / perception, or world models.
- Ability to prepare datasets, train or fine-tune models, debug failures, and evaluate results reproducibly.

​Desired Skills:

- Experience with transformers, multimodal learning, imitation learning, diffusion models, or action-conditioned prediction.
- Experience with driving video, 3D, scene understanding, multi-sensor data, or simulation.
- Familiarity with GPU training, distributed experiments, or modal inference optimization.
- Research publications, open-source contributions, or a substantial research project.

Workplace Flexibility:

- On-site five days a week in Mountain View, CA, following the supplied template. Work arrangement and internship schedule TBD.
- This is an intern W2 position / Hourly rate $44.88 - $96.00
- This role is based in Mountain View, CA. Must be local, no relocation.
- Immediate availability is required. The selected candidate is expected to start promptly upon offer acceptance and pending successful completion of a standard background check and drug screening

​Years of Relevant Experience:

- Research, coursework, or project experience developing and evaluating deep learning models. Prior industry experiences are not required.

​Required Education:

- ​Currently pursuing or holding a master’s or PhD degree in Computer Science.

​Desired Education:

- Currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science is preferred, particularly with research in machine learning, computer vision, or embodied AI.

## Compensation

Hourly range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, CA, the hourly range for this intern position is $44.88 - $69.00

CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

Employment with Cariad Inc. is contingent upon the successful completion of this screening process. We emphasize the importance of compliance with export control and sanctions laws as a fundamental aspect of our operations. Our company is dedicated to adhering to these regulations to ensure the lawful and ethical conduct of our business activities. Employment with our company is contingent on either verifying U.S. citizenship or U.S. lawful permanent resident status or obtaining any necessary license or confirming the availability of an applicable exemption or license exception. You, the applicant, will be required to answer certain questions for export control purposes, and that information will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. Cariad Inc. may choose not to apply for a license or use an applicable license exception (if available) for such individuals whose access to export-controlled technology or software source code may require authorization and may decline to proceed with an applicant on that basis alone.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to participate in the export control and sanctions compliance screening process. Your cooperation in this matter is essential to our shared success and the integrity of our operations. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to upholding these important standards.

CARIAD, Inc. provides performance-based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short- and long-term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.

CARIAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.

Employment with CARIAD Inc. is subject to export control and sanctions compliance. Some positions may involve access to technology and/or software source code subject to U.S. legal restrictions on release to certain foreign persons based on citizenship or permanent residence. To ensure compliance, applicants will be required to provide information for screening. Employment may be contingent on the outcome, including verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status, or confirmation that a license, exemption, or exception applies. CARIAD retains the discretion to decline to obtain a required license in any case. By applying, you acknowledge and agree to participate in this process.

## About Cariad, Inc.

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: CARIAD is the global automotive software company of the Volkswagen Group, developing the software-defined vehicle platforms that power iconic brands like Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley.
- **Entity Type**: Private (wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen Group)
- **Headquarters**: Mountain View, California, United States (global HQ in Wolfsburg, Germany)
- **Founded**: 2020 (as a standalone entity; predecessor organization formed in 2018)
- **Founders**: Part of Volkswagen Group; not founded by individual entrepreneurs.

## Core Business
- Primary industry/industries: Automotive Software, Mobility Technology, Embedded Systems, ADAS/Automated Driving, Infotainment, Cloud Connectivity
- Target customers: B2B — exclusively serves the Volkswagen Group brands (Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, SEAT, Škoda, CUPRA, Lamborghini, Bentley)
- Mission or purpose statement: "To bring automotive engineering and software development closer together, making mobility safer, more sustainable, and more comfortable in every way."

## Products & Services
- **Infotainment & Digital Experience**: Scalable infotainment stack powering AR head-up displays, AI-powered digital assistants, real-time EV route planning, and in-car app ecosystems.
- **ADAS & Automated Driving**: Scalable solutions for automated driving functions, using AI and sensor tech in partnership with Bosch and Horizon Robotics, accessible across the Group’s vehicle lineup.
- **Connect & Cloud**: Cloud infrastructure supporting over 45 million connected vehicles across 50+ countries, enabling over-the-air updates and smart services.
- **Vehicle Energy, Motion & Body System**: A scalable platform controlling how vehicles move, steer, brake, and manage energy, developed in close collaboration with Group brands.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (fully owned by Volkswagen Group, not independently valued)
- **Key Metric**: Employs approximately 4,000+ people globally (CARIAD, Inc. employs ~108 people in the US); software platforms power over 45 million vehicles
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Sole stakeholder is Volkswagen Group; key technology partners include Bosch and Horizon Robotics.
- **Growth Signals**: Operates across 5 global tech hubs (Silicon Valley, Berlin, Beijing, Wolfsburg, Munich) and 7 countries; expanding engineering roles in AI, ADAS, and embedded machine learning; recent (~2026) hiring surge with a yearly job posting increase of +162.5%.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Scale & Distribution**: Access to the Volkswagen Group’s massive global scale, with iconic brands (Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley) and a fleet of 45M+ vehicles as a software deployment base.
- **Cross-Brand Platform**: Unique ability to develop a single software platform that scales across multiple premium and volume brands, giving engineers impact far beyond a single model line.
- **Certified Expertise**: ISO 9001 and ISO/SAE 21434 (cybersecurity) certified, ensuring high standards for quality and security in automotive software.
- **Global & Local**: Combines the agility of a Silicon Valley software company with the resources and stability of one of the world’s largest automotive groups.

## Strategic Focus
- **Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Platform**: Building a unified, scalable software stack that decouples hardware and software to enable continuous over-the-air updates and new revenue services.
- **Automated Driving Leadership**: Advancing Level 2+ and Level 3 automated driving functions in partnership with sensor and AI leaders.
- **AI Integration**: Embedding machine learning and AI into the vehicle experience — from assistants to autonomous functions — with active hiring for ML engineers.
- **Regional Adaptation**: Ensuring software is tailored to local markets (e.g., China, US, Europe) while maintaining a global core platform.

## Why Work Here
- **Global Impact at Scale**: Engineers get to work on software that will be deployed in millions of vehicles from legendary brands like Porsche, Audi, and Lamborghini — a scale few software companies outside of big tech can match.
- **Diverse, International Team**: A culture of 75+ nationalities and over 4,000 CARIDIANs, with a focus on collaboration, trust, and transparency. Values include "Can-Do Attitude," "Mutual Trust," and "Maximum Transparency."
- **Flexible Work**: Offers flexible working models and remote work options, with 30 days of paid leave and an attractive remuneration system. US offices in Mountain View, CA and Redmond, WA.
- **Career Development**: Continuous learning, professional development programs, and individual career paths. Strong emphasis on technical growth alongside personal development.
- **Tech Stack**: Engineers work on cutting-edge AI, embedded ML, cloud infrastructure, real-time systems, and autonomous driving technologies. The hiring process includes a technical interview (with possible Futurepath assessment) and an HR interview.
- **Recent Hirings From**: Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla, Volkswagen of America, Audi of America, Rivian, Argo AI — indicating a competitive, high-caliber talent environment.

## Sources
1. [CARIAD Official Company Page](https://cariad.technology/de/en/company.html)
2. [CARIAD Careers Page](https://cariad.technology/de/en/careers.html)
3. [CARIAD Job Board (Greenhouse)](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/cariadinc)
4. [CARIAD, Inc. LinkedIn Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cariadinc)

## Other roles at Cariad, Inc.

- [Engineer I, VLA Planning and Control Deployment (Intern)](https://feeny.ai/job/engineer-i-vla-planning-and-control-deployment-intern-cariad-inc-mountain-view-8jc80xmb6nhb) — Mountain View, CA
- [Sr Software Engineer, Integration](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-software-engineer-integration-cariad-inc-remote-9w4z3sx7ptgg)
- [Technical Lead - Fellow Hardware Engineer, NPU](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-lead-fellow-hardware-engineer-npu-cariad-inc-mountain-view-n72pv90s2w8c) — Mountain View, CA
- [Technical Engineer III, ADAS Integration](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-engineer-iii-adas-integration-cariad-inc-mountain-view-rw6mrx16jta1) — Mountain View, CA
- [Technical Project Manager III, NAR Delivery](https://feeny.ai/job/technical-project-manager-iii-nar-delivery-cariad-inc-chattanooga-82dce97a9st8) — Chattanooga, TN
- [Manager, NAR Launch & TestOps](https://feeny.ai/job/manager-nar-launch-testops-cariad-inc-chattanooga-wnbk6td2tq52) — Chattanooga, TN
- [Staff Engineer, Autonomous Driving Data Platform & Curation](https://feeny.ai/job/staff-engineer-autonomous-driving-data-platform-curation-cariad-inc-mountain-y9ssmhchhgkt) — Mountain View, CA