PhD Intern, AI/ML/NLP Engineer

WEX Inc.; Massachusetts; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

WEX Inc. is seeking a PhD Research Intern to apply deep AI/ML expertise on real-world problems, pairing with a mentor to own a high-impact project from research to a functional prototype.

You will collaborate with senior engineers, product managers, and domain experts to design and test novel AI/ML solutions, including LLMs, and evaluate models for production readiness within CI/CD pipelines.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a PhD program in CS/AI or quantitative field.
• Research in AI/ML or Generative AI with publications or projects.
• Proficient in Python or Java; strong ML/math background.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers, PMs, and domain experts to define user needs.
• Design, code, and test novel AI/ML solutions.
• Develop and iterate AI/LLM models to solve core business problems.
• Analyze platforms to identify bottlenecks and propose improvements.
• Present findings to the team and stakeholders at internship end.

Skills

Python

Java

C#

GoLang

Education

PhD student in Computer Science

Tools

AWS

Terraform

Kubernetes

CI/CD

Job description

Note: This is a remote position; however, the candidate must reside within 30 miles of one of the following locations: Portland, ME; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; San Francisco Bay Area, CA; or Seattle, WA.

About the Team

We are a fast-growing AI Engineering team, driving WEX's strategic vision to integrate artificial intelligence into the core of our product and business. Our team thrives on collaboration, working directly with stakeholders and domain experts to develop innovative AI platforms and solutions. We are building groundbreaking products that benefit our customers and help them grow their businesses. We foster a culture of continuous learning and believe that the best work stems from a shared purpose and an enjoyable, engaging environment.

Your Impact & Internship Project

As a PhD Research Intern, you will apply your deep technical expertise to solve complex, real-world problems. You are a highly motivated researcher with a passion for applying cutting-edge AI, Machine Learning, and software engineering to create tangible business value. This is a project-based internship. You will be paired with a dedicated mentor and given a high-impact project to own, from research and design through to a functional prototype.

• Collaborate with senior engineers, product managers, and domain experts to understand our customers' needs and challenges.
• Apply your research skills to design, code, and test novel AI/ML solutions.
• Develop, evaluate, and iterate on AI/ML models (including LLMs) to solve a core business problem.
• Analyze existing platforms to identify bottlenecks and propose opportunities for algorithmic or systems-level improvements.
• Gain hands-on experience with our production systems, including CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions) and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform).
• Present your findings and project outcomes to the team and key stakeholders at the end of your internship.

Qualifications & What We're Looking For

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Statistics, or a related quantitative field.
• Demonstrated research experience in AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, or Generative AI (e.g., publications, conference papers, or significant project work).
• Strong programming skills in at least one of our core languages: Python, Java, C#, or GoLang.
• Deep understanding of modern ML algorithms, platforms, and packages (including deep learning and LLMs).
• Solid grasp of probability and statistics concepts (e.g., distributions, Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood estimation).
• A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills, with an ability to translate complex research into practical applications.
• Evidence of innovative problem-solving and a drive to learn and excel.

Preferred (Bonus) Skills

• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS).
• Familiarity with software development best practices (SDLC), CI/CD tools, and IaC (e.g., Terraform).
• Familiarity with container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes).
• Experience or interest in the financial technology (FinTech) industry.

Key Words: AI, Machine Learning, Statistical Learning, Data Scientist, PhD Intern, Research Intern, LLM, Generative AI

The base pay range represents the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual pay rates will vary and will be based on various factors, such as your qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role. Base pay is one component of WEX's total compensation package. Most sales positions are eligible for commission under the terms of an applicable plan. Non-sales roles are typically eligible for a quarterly or annual bonus based on their role and applicable plan. WEX's comprehensive and market competitive benefits are designed to support your personal and professional well-being.

Pay Range: $35.00 - $43.00

WEX is a global commerce platform that helps businesses solve for operational complexities like employee benefits, managing and mobilizing fleets, and streamlining payments. With over 6,500 employees, we work with large and small companies in more than 200 countries and territories, and can tailor our services to meet the unique needs of their businesses. We hire people who share our passion for continuous innovation and client service that is unparalleled in the industry.

Offering comprehensive and market competitive benefits, our offerings are designed to support your personal and professional well-being. If you’re looking for a growing career - come be part of WEX today.

WEX promotes a drug-free workplace. Qualified individuals with a disability have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. If you require a reasonable accommodation as a result of your disability at any point in the job application process, please submit your request through our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form. This form is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

WEX is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, disability or other protected status.