AI Applied Research & Machine Learning Internship (PhD) (Summer 2026 Interns Only)

GEICO; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

GEICO's AI team is seeking high-performing PhD candidates in AI and machine learning to join our 10-week summer internship in Palo Alto. You will work on real business challenges, develop AI solutions, and gain mentorship from top technologists.

The role offers a paid internship with a hybrid office schedule and potential for full-time opportunities after graduation. During the program you will conduct applied research, contribute to AI-driven insurance initiatives, present findings to

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or closely related field, with at least two years completed.
• Peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or significant research contributions in AI/ML or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Apply research and tech expertise to individual assignments and team projects addressing real business challenges.
• Contribute to technology initiatives, attend meetings, and present research outcomes to senior management.

Skills

Algorithms & data structures

GenAI & LLMs

English communication

Programming for AI

Applied AI research

Education

PhD candidate in CS/engineering

Job description

Why Join GEICO?

At GEICO, we offer a rewarding career where your ambitions are met with endless possibilities.

Every day we honor our iconic brand by offering quality coverage to millions of customers and being there when they need us most. We thrive on relentless innovation to exceed our customers’ expectations while making a real impact on local communities nationwide.

Founded in 1936, GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. When you join our company, we want you to feel valued, supported, and proud to work here. That’s why we offer the GEICO Pledge: Great Company, Great Culture, Great Rewards, and Great Careers.

Your Impact at GEICO

GEICO’s AI team is seeking high-performing, creative PhD candidates specializing in AI research and machine learning engineering to join our AI development summer internship. You will help drive our insurance business transformation as we redefine the customer experience. Find real opportunities to apply your advanced research and technical skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and potentially secure a full-time engineering or research role upon graduation!

GEICO’s Tech teams have positioned our company as a mobile, internet, and customer experience leader, proving that we are more than just an insurance company. We’re a cutting-edge technology company, and we’re growing and transforming all the time. Come be a part of this journey and help us build technology to disrupt the insurance industry, building experiences that will impact hundreds of millions of users! Geico AI is developing advanced GenAI solutions and focusing on building AI applications that will transform the insurance industry.

GEICO’s summer internship will run from June 7, 2027, through August 13, 2027. Interns will work in a hybrid format (2-3 days per week in the office) at designated locations. Candidates will participate in a technical skills assessment and multi-dimensional interviews as part of the internship selection process.

How You’ll Make a Difference

During your paid 10-week summer internship as a PhD candidate specializing in AI applied research and machine learning, you will:

• Applied Research & Business Challenges: Leverage your advanced research and technology expertise through both individual assignments and collaborative team projects focused on solving real business challenges and delivering measurable value.

• Technology Business Initiatives: Contribute to significant technology business initiatives, participate in meetings, and present your research and project outcomes to senior management.

• Mentorship & Development: Receive mentoring and coaching from members of GEICO’s Technology Solutions management, supporting your development as a leader in applied AI research.

• AI-Driven Insurance Solutions: Engage with associates across all levels of our technology organization—including direct interaction with our CTO to help shape the future of AI-driven insurance solutions.

• Research, Technical & Communication Skills: Strengthen your research, technical, project management, and communication skills in a dynamic, business-focused environment.

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or a closely related engineering discipline, having completed at least two years of the PhD program.

• Demonstrated research experience evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, or significant contributions to research projects in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related fields.

Core Skills:

• Strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and core computer science concepts, with application to advanced AI research.

• Deep understanding of advanced ML, GenAI, LLMs, and AI Agent foundations, and how these technologies can be applied to deliver business value.

• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, programming, and written and verbal English communication skills, tailored for collaborative research and business impact.

• Demonstrated experience in applying programming tools to develop and prototype AI Solutions that address real-world business problems.

• Ability to produce high-quality, reusable, and robust code that supports scalable AI solutions for business transformation.

• Knowledge of developer tooling throughout the software development lifecycle—including task management, source code control, build and deployment automation, operations, and real-time team collaboration.

• Understanding of Monitoring Tools and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) principles, especially as they relate to deploying and maintaining AI solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Well-rounded experience with diverse technologies and research projects outside the classroom, demonstrating strong engineering and applied research abilities.

• Previous professional software development internship or research experience preferred.

Annual Salary

$32.05 - $50.36

The above annual salary range is a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate/ annual salary to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the selected candidate’s work experience, education and training, the work location as well as market and business considerations.

At this time, GEICO will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

The GEICO Pledge:

Great Company: Protecting customers through life’s twists and turns with innovation and integrity.

Great Careers: Personalized development programs, mentorship, and certification assistance.

Great Culture: Inclusive and collaborative culture rooted in shared success.

Great Rewards: Competitive pay, benefits, and flexibility to support your well-being and future.

The equal employment opportunity policy of the GEICO Companies provides for a fair and equal employment opportunity for all associates and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. GEICO hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.

GEICO reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to receive equal employment opportunity and/or perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship to the Company. This applies to all applicants and associates. GEICO also provides a work environment in which each associate is able to be productive and work to the best of their ability. We do not condone or tolerate an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment. We expect and require the cooperation of all associates in maintaining an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment with mutual respect by and for all associates and applicants.