Machine Learning Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

PayPal, Inc.; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

PayPal is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer Intern to join our AI/ML teams across PayPal, Braintree, Venmo, and Paydiant. You will contribute to data preparation, model development, experimentation, and deployment under guidance from experienced engineers and data scientists.

The role emphasizes learning, collaboration, and building scalable ML pipelines, with exposure to production-grade systems and cross-product projects.

Qualifications

• Experience with at least one programming language (Python, Java, C++ or similar).
• Familiarity with machine learning concepts through coursework, research, internships, or personal projects.
• Exposure to machine learning frameworks such as scikit-learn or TensorFlow.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing, testing, and optimizing machine learning models and algorithms for business and customer needs.
• Prepare, clean, and analyze datasets, helping assess data quality and identify patterns that support model development.
• Run experiments and evaluate model performance using appropriate methods and metrics.
• Collaborate with engineers and data scientists to support scalable ML pipelines and the deployment and monitoring of models in production.
• Write clean, maintainable code and document experiments, results, and technical decisions.
• Participate in code and design reviews, follow team standards and development practices, and incorporate feedback.

Skills

Python

Java

C++

ML concepts

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/ML/Data Science

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

Job description

The Company

PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy.

We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.

We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade.

Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do - and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.

Job Summary:

Machine Learning Engineer Interns at PayPal help develop innovative AI and machine learning solutions that support products and services used by millions of people every day. Working across PayPal, Braintree, Venmo, and Paydiant, our teams apply machine learning to complex challenges in connected payments. We're looking for candidates with strong programming and analytical skills, curiosity about machine learning, and a desire to build reliable solutions that improve functionality, performance, and customer experiences.

Job Description:

As a Machine Learning Engineer Intern, you will work alongside experienced engineers, data scientists, and product teams to explore and build machine learning solutions. You'll contribute to data preparation, model development, experimentation, and deployment, with guidance from your team. You should be collaborative, curious, and eager to learn as we develop scalable systems and new experiences across PayPal's products and services.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist with developing, testing, and optimizing machine learning models and algorithms for business and customer needs.
• Prepare, clean, and analyze datasets, helping assess data quality and identify patterns that support model development.
• Run experiments and evaluate model performance using appropriate methods and metrics.
• Collaborate with engineers and data scientists to support scalable ML pipelines and the deployment and monitoring of models in production.
• Write clean, maintainable code and document experiments, results, and technical decisions.
• Participate in code and design reviews, follow team standards and development practices, and incorporate feedback.
• Stay curious about developments in machine learning and explore how relevant techniques can be applied to PayPal products and services.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience with at least one programming language, such as Python, Java, C++, or similar.
• Familiarity with machine learning concepts through coursework, research, internships, or personal projects.
• Exposure machine learning frameworks or tools such as scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or similar.
• Familiarity with data structures, algorithms, data analysis, or statistical concepts.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Internship Program Requirements:

• This is a Summer 2027 Internship program. Spring and Fall 2027 internships are not available.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, machine learning, data science, computer engineering, or a related technical field at an accredited college or university.
• Must be returning to school in Fall 2027.
• Application will be accepted through Sunday December 6th, 2026.

globaluniversityinternmachinelearning globaluniversityinternspecialtytech

The base pay for this role will depend on where you work and the relevant experience and expertise you bring. The expected range of pay for this role by location is: Primary Location | Pay Range: San Jose, California | ($50-$59 hourly)

Visa Sponsorship through PayPal is not available for this position now or any time in the future.

Subsidiary:

PayPal

Travel Percent:

0

For the majority of employees, PayPal's balanced hybrid work model offers 3 days in the office for effective in-person collaboration and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace, ensuring that you equally have the benefits and conveniences of both locations.

Our Benefits:

At PayPal, we're committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can't do this without our most important asset-you. That's why we offer comprehensive, choice-based programs, to support all aspects of personal wellbeing—physical, emotional, and financial—delivering meaningful value where it matters most.We strive to create a flexible, balanced work culture with a holistic approach to benefits, including generous paid time off, healthcare coverage for you and your family, and resources to create financial security and support your mental health.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

PayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [e-mail].

Belonging at PayPal:

Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.