Machine Learning Engineer PhD Intern - Summer 2027
About The Position
As a Machine Learning Engineer PhD Intern, you will work with experienced engineers, data scientists, and product teams to research, develop, and evaluate machine learning solutions. You will address complex technical problems, work with large datasets, and contribute to model development and deployment. The role applies advanced machine learning knowledge, communicates findings, and collaborates to bring solutions into PayPal products and services. The internship focuses on applying machine learning research and data-driven insights to compliance and risk challenges, helping PayPal strengthen risk mitigation and deliver secure, trusted financial experiences. This is a Summer 2027 internship; Spring and Fall 2027 internships are not available. Interns must be returning to school in Fall 2027 and be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Applications are accepted through December 6, 2026.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a PhD in computer science, machine learning, statistics, data science, computer engineering, or a related technical field at an accredited college or university.
- Strong foundation in machine learning and statistics, with research experience developing and evaluating models.
- Proficiency in Python.
- Experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn.
- Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
- Must be returning to school in Fall 2027.
Nice To Haves
- Relevant research publications.
Responsibilities
- Conduct applied research to identify and develop machine learning solutions for complex business challenges.
- Design, build, and evaluate machine learning models, using appropriate methods to assess their effectiveness, reliability, and suitability for use.
- Analyze data and conduct experiments to generate insights and guide model development.
- Collaborate with engineers, data scientists, and cross-functional partners to translate business needs into scalable machine learning solutions.
- Contribute to the development and deployment of machine learning pipelines and solutions in production environments.
- Monitor model performance and identify opportunities to improve outcomes, reliability, and efficiency.
- Document research, experiments, and technical decisions, and communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Stay informed about developments in machine learning and assess their potential relevance to PayPal’s products and services.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off.
- Healthcare coverage for the employee and their family.
- Resources to support financial security and mental health.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
