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Decoder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Onboard Behavior Model Architecture team is responsible for developing deep learning models that leverage data and compute at large scale to train driving models. We learn and predict behaviors ...

The Onboard Behavior Model Architecture team is responsible for developing deep learning models that leverage data and compute at large scale to train driving models. We learn and predict behaviors ...

The Onboard Behavior Model Architecture team is responsible for developing deep learning models that leverage data and compute at large scale to train driving models. We learn and predict behaviors ...

Sr Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA

$139K - $183K/yr

Own multiple encoder/decoder features with strong accountability, leveraging ML-based techniques for video quality enhancement * Partner with platform, hardware, and system software teams to ...

Experienced in JSON Parsing, using JSON Serialization and JSON Decoder Self-motivated and excellent abilities to learn new languages and other concepts quickly, excellent interpersonal skills and ...

Sr. Data Scientist

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$162K - $238K/yr

Encoder-Decoder Architectures * Retrieval-based Systems * Hands-on experience with GenAI ecosystems including: * LangGraph * LangChain * Amazon Bedrock * Strong Python programming skills.

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Decoder information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$59.8K

$103.6K

How much do decoder jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for decoder in California is $59,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,900.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of challenges might a Decoder face during their day-to-day work?

Decoders often encounter the challenge of interpreting complex or encrypted information where accuracy and speed are essential. The role may involve working with incomplete or ambiguous data, requiring creative problem-solving and close attention to detail. Teamwork is frequently important, as Decoders often collaborate with engineers, analysts, or security specialists to verify results and ensure seamless workflow. Successfully overcoming these challenges can lead to increased responsibility and advancement opportunities within technical or intelligence-focused fields.

What is a Decoder job?

A Decoder analyzes and interprets coded information, such as data transmissions, messages, or signals, to extract meaningful content. Depending on the industry, this role may involve translating encrypted communications, transcribing audio data, or converting digital formats. Decoders are commonly found in telecommunications, intelligence, and media industries. The job requires attention to detail, analytical skills, and familiarity with specialized decoding tools or software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Decoder position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Decoder, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in areas such as linguistics, cryptography, or signal processing, often supported by relevant technical training or a degree. Experience with specialized decoding software, data analysis tools, or secure communications systems is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving skills, persistence, and clear communication are valuable soft skills for this position. These qualities enable Decoders to accurately interpret, verify, and process critical information efficiently and securely.

Infographic showing various Decoder job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,799 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Manager, RL Algorithms & Decoder

Zoox

Foster City, CA • On-site

$277K - $349K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

The Onboard Behavior Model Architecture team is responsible for developing deep learning models that leverage data and compute at large scale to train driving models. We learn and predict behaviors from large scale expert data and large scale reinforcement learning to produce a ML driver that is safe, comfortable, and completes the mission. In this role, you will collaborate closely with the Onboard Perception, Cost Planner, Simulation, Validation, Data Science, Systems Engineering, QA, and ML Infra teams.
In this role, you will:
  • Lead a Team: Manage, mentor, and grow a team of individual contributors, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Develop Strategy: Develop and organize our overall strategy for Onboard Behavior ML Models for generating driving plans for our autonomous vehicle. You will interface with multiple partner teams to identify opportunities for model improvements within their problem area. You'll be setting the short and long term technical direction for the team and collaborate on broader company-wide directions.
  • Provide technical guidance and leadership in the design and development of training models at large scale and work with partner teams on ensuring their efficient inference.
  • Monitor Performance: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of work packages and drive continuous improvement.
  • Manage Resources: Manage the allocation of resources within the team, ensuring that projects are staffed appropriately and that team members have the necessary tools and support to succeed.

Qualifications
  • Expertise with Reinforcement Learning and Machine Learning for at least one of these areas: Planning, LLMs, VLAs/VLMs, recommendation systems.
  • Extensive experience with programming and algorithm design, strong mathematics skills.
  • MS or PhD degree in computer science or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience with production Machine Learning pipelines, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.

Bonus Qualifications
  • Conference or Journal publications in Machine Learning or Robotics related venues.
  • Prior experience working with autonomous vehicles or robotics, diffusion models, large scale training.

$277,000 - $349,000 a year
Base Salary Range
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.