Get to Know Our Crew: Samir

Discover what it’s like to be part of the crew at Zoox! We are proud to introduce some of our talented crew and provide an insider look into what it’s like to work at Zoox. Meet Samir! 

What do you do here at Zoox?

I'm an engineering manager within the Prediction team. My team is responsible for optimizing the prediction model architecture and the metrics that are used to evaluate the performance of our prediction stack: the part of our AI responsible for determining the intentions and movements of other objects on the road.

How did you find your career in the AV industry?

The first company I worked at gave me the opportunity to research the combination of machine learning and robotics. I used that opportunity to learn as much as I could about the field. I leveraged my experience and knowledge to get a job at an automotive company researching autonomous vehicles. Thereafter, armed with more relevant AV experience, I joined Zoox.

How do you hope to make an impact in this space?

I hope to contribute to building a state-of-the-art prediction stack. The prediction module is a core component of our AI and the more progress we make on it, the better our vehicle’s driving will be. There is already some research done in this field. My hope is to leverage new techniques to be published in literature and empower my team to create their own innovations.

What is it like to work at Zoox?

Zoox has a very inquisitive, methodical, and safety-oriented mindset. The inquisitiveness drives innovation, the methodology leads to predictability, and the safety-mindset leads to good measurements on software quality.     

What is a day in your life at Zoox like?

Most of my day is spent collaborating with my peers or discussions with my reports about their ongoing projects. Some time is also spent on interviewing or planning for future initiatives.

What excites you about the future of Zoox?

I’m very excited about our path towards commercialization and beyond. I can’t wait to experience a Zoox robotaxi in new places.

What is your favorite feature of the Zoox robotaxi and why?

It’s difficult for me to choose a single feature. I really like the individual HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning), unique airbag configuration, crab steering, bidirectional flip, and of course, no steering wheel.

What’s an interesting fact about yourself?

I’ve lived in four countries already. Let’s see how many more I can live in… in the future.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I spend time with my family. We like to go hiking, to the beach, or ride our bikes.