Autonomous Driving Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

At HERE Technologies, we are transforming the future of autonomous driving by combining one of the world's richest sources of map and drive data with cutting-edge generative AI. As ADAS and Automated Driving systems increasingly rely on model-driven intelligence, we are building the next generation of AI-powered spatial intelligence platforms that create scalable, high-quality synthetic driving environments for training and validation.

We are seeking a highly experienced AI scientist and technical leader who can bridge the worlds of generative AI and autonomous vehicle simulation. In this role, you will lead the development of map-grounded world foundation models, enabling the creation of realistic, controllable, and measurable synthetic driving scenarios that accelerate the next generation of perception and planning systems.

As a Senior Principal AI Scientist, you will:

• Lead the technical strategy and development of map-grounded world foundation models, leveraging HERE map and drive data to generate realistic and controllable driving scenarios.
• Train, fine-tune, and deploy advanced generative AI models, including diffusion models, transformer-based world models, and generative video architectures for autonomous driving applications.
• Drive proof-of-concept initiatives with strategic technology partners, establishing measurable success criteria and translating research outcomes into actionable business recommendations.
• Bridge generative AI workflows with AV simulation platforms such as CARLA, NVIDIA Drive Sim, and other industry-standard environments to support training and validation use cases.
• Define and implement quality frameworks that evaluate synthetic data utility, controllability, coverage, and downstream model performance.
• Collaborate across machine learning, perception, planning, simulation, and product teams to ensure synthetic data solutions deliver measurable improvements in real-world autonomous driving performance.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to engineering and business leaders, translating complex AI concepts into strategic opportunities and product roadmaps.

You are a recognized expert in both deep learning and autonomous vehicle simulation, with a proven record of turning advanced AI research into production-ready solutions. You are equally comfortable training large-scale world models, designing simulation-based validation strategies, and influencing technical direction across multidisciplinary teams.

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in machine learning, autonomous systems, simulation, robotics, or related disciplines, including significant hands-on experience developing and deploying AI models.
• Deep expertise in generative AI, including diffusion models, generative video systems, transformer architectures, world models, or related foundation model technologies.
• Strong proficiency in Python and PyTorch, with experience building scalable research and production ML pipelines.
• Hands-on experience with autonomous vehicle simulation platforms such as CARLA, NVIDIA Drive Sim, or equivalent simulation environments.
• Strong understanding of OpenDRIVE, OpenSCENARIO, ASAM OpenX standards, scenario-based validation, and sim-to-real methodologies.
• Experience evaluating synthetic data quality for machine learning applications, including controllability, diversity, coverage, label fidelity, and downstream model effectiveness.

• Experience with NVIDIA Cosmos, Cosmos-Transfer, or other world foundation model platforms.
• Background in reinforcement learning, end-to-end driving systems, or multi-agent simulation.
• Experience in automotive, robotics, or other safety-critical domains, including familiarity with ISO 26262 and SOTIF concepts.
• Contributions to research publications, patents, open-source AI projects, or industry-leading innovation initiatives.
• Experience with Unreal Engine, Unity, sensor simulation, or large-scale training infrastructure.

• You thrive at the intersection of research and execution, translating innovation into real-world impact.
• You can communicate effectively with AI researchers, simulation engineers, product managers, and executive stakeholders.
• You are hands-on, data-driven, and focused on measurable outcomes rather than theoretical perfection.
• You bring a systems-thinking mindset, understanding how decisions in data generation affect downstream AI performance.
• You are passionate about building technology that advances the future of autonomous mobility.

  The expected base salary range for this position is $170,600 to $250,000 per year. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as skills and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus, which is subject to company and individual performance. 

  Life at HERE comes with generous benefits to support your health and overall wellness. Benefits available to US-based HERE employees include health (Medical/Dental/Vision) insurance, retirement savings plans, paid time off & leave policies.   

  As part of HERE Technologies employment process, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background verification process. Offers of employment and any related claims are subject to the successful completion of a background verification. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, HERE will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

  HERE is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.  

  Under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and VEVRAA, we have developed an affirmative action program (AAP) for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Portions of the AAP are available for review by applicants and employees through our People Team. 

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HERE Technologies is a location data and technology platform company. We empower our customers to achieve better outcomes - from helping a city manage its infrastructure or a business optimize its assets to guiding drivers to their destination safely.

At HERE we take it upon ourselves to be the change we wish to see. We create solutions that fuel innovation, provide opportunity and foster inclusion to improve people's lives. If you are inspired by an open world and driven to create positive change, join us. Learn more about us on our YouTube Channel.

As ADAS/AD moves towards model-driven intelligence, industry value is extending from map delivery to model training and validation. HERE can convert its map and drive data into a scalable AI model-creation platform - capturing significant value from training, validation and next generation ADAS/AD performance.

It's the growth of HERE's AI-model creation platform that turns maps and drive data into reusable spatial intelligence - powering scalable training, validation, and next generation ADAS/AD performance.