Contract Student Worker - Data Scientist

Role Overview

As a Data Scientist focused on forecasting, you will help Fleet Operations anticipate the resources required to scale an autonomous vehicle service across markets. You will develop forecasting and scenario-planning capabilities across fleet availability, supply, staffing, operational demand, charging, and infrastructure. Your work will inform high-impact planning decisions and create a shared, data-driven view of future operational needs.

Responsibilities

• 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

Required Qualifications

• 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

Bonus Qualifications

• Partner with Workforce Management, Finance, Strategy, Data Science, and operational leaders to align assumptions and establish a shared operating forecast
• Currently pursuing a master’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, operations research, industrial engineering, economics, applied mathematics, or another quantitative field
• Experience with forecasting, statistical modeling, optimization, simulation, or machine learning through coursework, research, internships, or professional projects
• Communicate model outputs
• 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

Program Requirements

• Ability to select the right analytical approach for the problem rather than defaulting to the most complex model
• Currently enrolled in a B.S. or M.S. program in a relevant discipline
• 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 with Zoox confidentiality requirements, including refraining from using or sharing proprietary company information outside of Zoox, such as in academic research, theses, publications, or presentations