Contract Student Worker - Data Scientist

The role

This contract student worker will build forecasting and scenario models for fleet availability, staffing, operational workload, charging demand, and infrastructure needs. The work includes turning spreadsheet planning into reproducible analytical workflows and prototyping AI-powered decision-support tools.

What you will do

• 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
• Build scenario models that help leaders understand the staffing, cost, and infrastructure implications of operational changes and market growth
• 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
• Partner with Workforce Management, Finance, Strategy, Data Science, and operational leaders to align assumptions and establish a shared operating forecast
• Communicate model outputs

Required qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a B.S. or M.S. program in a relevant discipline
• Currently pursuing a master's degree in data science, statistics, computer science, operations research, industrial engineering, economics, applied mathematics, or another quantitative field
• Ability to select the right analytical approach for the problem rather than defaulting to the most complex model
• 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 to Zoox confidentiality requirements, including not using or sharing proprietary company information outside Zoox, such as in academic research, theses, publications, or presentations

Nice to have

• Experience with forecasting, statistical modeling, optimization, simulation, or machine learning through coursework, research, internships, or professional projects
• 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

Before you apply

• Must be currently enrolled in a B.S. or M.S. program in a relevant discipline
• Must be able to work on-site in Foster City, CA
• Must agree to Zoox confidentiality requirements

About the company

Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem to bring this technology to market. It works at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design to provide mobility-as-a-service in urban environments.