Machine Learning Co-Op, Jan - Aug 27'

Rust-Oleum; Vernon Hills (IL); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Rust-Oleum, Vernon Hills, IL, seeks a Machine Learning & Applied AI Co-Op Student to join the Automation & Emerging Technology team. You’ll own real-world ML experiments in a startup-like environment within a large enterprise, focusing on applied ML, data-driven experimentation, and model evaluation.

The role emphasizes problem framing, experimentation, measurable impact, and collaboration with data science and engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD-track program.
• Ability to work on-site in Vernon Hills, IL at least three days per week.
• Strong proficiency in Python.
• Solid understanding of core machine learning concepts (supervised/unsupervised, feature engineering, evaluation).
• Experience with ML libraries (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn) or similar.
• Experience with AI tools and end-to-end ML project experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead machine learning experiments end-to-end, including problem definition, data exploration, feature engineering, model prototyping, training and evaluation.
• Develop and evaluate ML models using enterprise datasets for use cases such as prediction, classification, pattern detection, and decision support.
• Apply experimental design and evaluation techniques (train/validation/test, baselines, error analysis).
• Use Databricks for data analysis, experimentation, and scalable ML workflows.
• Define and track success metrics (model accuracy, precision/recall, latency, scalability, business relevance).
• Explore applied AI techniques including Generative AI and LLMs where appropriate; document experiments and present findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Python

Databricks

Pandas

NumPy

scikit-learn

Copilot GitHub

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD-track program in CS/DS/ML

Tools

Databricks

Copilot

Azure

Job description

Co-Op Student - Machine Learning & Applied AI

Location: Hybrid - Minimum 3 days per week on-site (Vernon Hills, IL)

Duration: Co-Op Term (6-8 months) January 2027 - August 2027

Department: Automation & Emerging Technology

Reports To: Emerging Technologies Leader

Candidate Level: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD-track students

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Machine Learning & Applied AI Co-Op Student to join our Automation & Emerging Technology team.This role is ideal for students who want hands-on ownership of real-world machine learning experiments in a fast-moving, startup-like environment within a large enterprise.

The co-op will focus on applied machine learning, data-driven experimentation, and model evaluation, with opportunities to explore Generative AI and large language models where they meaningfully support ML-driven use cases.Rather than production maintenance or traditional automation work, this role emphasizes problem framing, experimentation, and measurable impact.

This position follows a hybrid work model, with a minimum of three (3) days per week on-site at our Vernon Hills, IL office.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead machine learning experiments end-to-end, including:
  • Problem definition and hypothesis development
  • Data exploration and feature engineering
  • Model prototyping, training, and evaluation
  • Iteration based on quantitative results
• Develop and evaluate ML models using enterprise datasets for use cases such as:
  • Prediction and classification
  • Pattern detection and insight generation
  • Decision support and optimization
• Apply sound experimental design and evaluation techniques, including:
  • Train/validation/test strategies
  • Baseline comparisons
  • Error analysis and model diagnostics
• Use Databricks for data analysis, experimentation, and scalable ML workflows
• Define and track success metrics, such as:
  • Model accuracy, precision/recall, and robustness
  • Latency, scalability, and cost considerations
  • Business relevance and usability
• Explore applied AI techniques, including Generative AI and LLMs, where appropriate (e.g., summarization, knowledge retrieval, or hybrid ML + LLM solutions)
• Document experiments, assumptions, results, and technical tradeoffs; present findings and demos to technical and business stakeholders
• Apply Responsible AI and data governance practices, including data privacy, security, and bias awareness

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD-track program in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, or a related field
• Ability to work on-site in Vernon Hills, IL at least three days per week
• Strong proficiency in Python
• Solid understanding of core machine learning concepts, such as:
  • Supervised and unsupervised learning
  • Feature engineering
  • Model evaluation and validation
• Experience with common ML/data libraries (e.g., pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, or similar)
• Experience with AI Tools like Copilot, Copilot GitHub etc.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and operate effectively in ambiguous problem spaces
• Strong analytical thinking and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with end-to-end ML projects, including experimentation and evaluation
• Familiarity with Databricks or similar data/ML platforms
• Exposure to cloud-based ML workflows (Azure preferred)
• Experience with deep learning or NLP frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Hugging Face)
• Working knowledge of Generative AI or LLMs as an applied technique (not required)
• Prior internship, research, or applied ML project experience with measurable outcomes

What You’ll Gain

• Ownership of real machine learning experiments with direct business visibility
• Experience working in a startup-like, experiment-driven environment inside a large enterprise
• Hands-on exposure to enterprise-scale data and ML workflows using Databricks and Microsoft platforms
• Mentorship from experienced AI and Emerging Technology leaders
• Strong preparation for full-time roles in Machine Learning Engineering, Applied Data Science, or AI Engineering

Salary Target Range: $28/hr-$30/hr

Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.