Graduate PhD Software Engineer II (Mobility Matching), United States

Working at Uber as a Graduate PhD Software Engineer II means taking deep technical expertise in AI, machine learning, and optimization and applying it to high-stakes, real-world systems. This is not a theoretical exercise; you will be building and deploying production-grade ML and algorithmic systems that operate at massive scale, where latency, reliability, and performance directly shape the experience of millions of riders and drivers.

You'll join the Mobility Matching team, a core part of Uber's Marketplace (PIMS) organization, which develops and optimizes the algorithms that match supply (drivers) with demand (riders) in real time. Our team tackles complex large-scale allocation and decision-making problems-leveraging machine learning, reinforcement learning, and optimization to improve marketplace efficiency, reliability, and long-term ecosystem health. Improvements in these systems drive hundreds of millions of dollars in impact while reducing wasted time for users around the world.

The pace here is fast, and the systems are complex and deeply interconnected. We are looking for researchers who want to be practitioners-individuals who can translate state-of-the-art research into scalable production systems. If you are energized by bridging cutting-edge ML with real-world deployment and want to own outcomes end-to-end in a high-impact environment, this is where you'll grow.

What you'll do

- Design, build, and deploy production-grade machine learning and optimization systems that power Uber's real-time driver-rider matching
- Develop and apply advanced techniques such as reinforcement learning, large-scale optimization, causal inference, and online experimentation to improve marketplace efficiency
- Translate academic research and state-of-the-art ML advancements into scalable, high-impact marketplace solutions
- Architect and enhance machine learning and serving infrastructure to support high-throughput training, low-latency inference, and real-time decision-making at global scale
- Own your work end-to-end: from modeling and simulation to A/B experimentation, productionization, monitoring, and iteration in live marketplace systems
- Solve ambiguous, high-impact problems in fast-changing environments-making sound technical decisions with incomplete or noisy data
- Collaborate across disciplines-including Product, Data Science, Economics, Platform Engineering, and Operations-to shape technical strategy and deliver measurable business impact
- Champion engineering excellence through code quality, rigorous experimentation, reproducibility, and system reliability

Basic Qualifications

- Completing or recently completed a PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Economics, or a related quantitative field

Preferred Qualifications

- Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of reinforcement learning, large-scale optimization, online algorithms, or market design
- Experience with experimentation platforms, causal inference, or simulation frameworks for evaluating real-time systems
- Expert-level coding proficiency with hands-on experience in modern ML libraries and production-quality software development
- Strong track record of publications in top-tier ML, AI, systems, or applied math conferences
- Proven experience translating research innovations into scalable, production-ready ML or optimization systems
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex modeling and algorithmic concepts to cross-functional stakeholders

For San Francisco, CA-based roles: The base salary range for this role is USD$171,000 per year - USD$190,000 per year.

For Seattle, WA-based roles: The base salary range for this role is USD$171,000 per year - USD$190,000 per year.

For Sunnyvale, CA-based roles: The base salary range for this role is USD$171,000 per year - USD$190,000 per year.

For all US locations, you will be eligible to participate in Uber's bonus program, and may be offered an equity award & other types of comp. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan. You will also be eligible for various benefits. More details can be found at the following link [](;br>
Uber's mission is to reimagine the way the world moves for the better. Here, bold ideas create real-world impact, challenges drive growth, and speed fuels progress. What moves us, moves the world - let's move it forward, together.

Uber is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing [this form](;br>
Offices continue to be central to collaboration and Uber's cultural identity. Unless formally approved to work fully remotely, Uber expects employees to spend at least half of their work time in their assigned office. For certain roles, such as those based at green-light hubs, employees are expected to be in-office for 100% of their time. Please speak with your recruiter to better understand in-office expectations for this role.