Research Engineer - R&D Internship – 2027 Yorktown Heights & Cambridge

IBM; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

IBM's Software Innovation Lab in Cambridge, MA invites an intern to help advance AI agent architectures and domain-specific models for enterprise processes, IT, and automation. You will work closely with researchers and engineers to translate cutting-edge AI into real-world applications across distributed environments.

This internship emphasizes responsible AI, enterprise-grade benchmarks, and open innovation, offering hands-on experience and publication opportunities within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (BS/MS).
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Familiarity with machine learning fundamentals, natural language processing and generative AI.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers and researchers to translate AI techniques into practical enterprise solutions.
• Assist in building, testing, and deploying AI models and tools for business processes and software engineering.
• Contribute to publications and open innovation initiatives within IBM's Software Innovation Lab.

Skills

Python

Machine learning fundamentals

Natural Language Processing

Generative AI

Team collaboration

Education

Pursuing BS/MS in CS/Engineering

Job description

Introduction

Join the pioneering Software Innovation Lab team at IBM Software and contribute to shaping the future foundations of artificial intelligence. Our group of scientists and engineers are dedicated to conducting end-to-end research that delivers real-world AI impact through a rigorous, responsible, and open innovation framework. We are the R&D team that is the innovation engine of IBM Software. We are shaping the technologies that IBM customers rely on – today and in the future. As an intern, you will advance state-of-the-art agent architectures and domain-specific models for business processes, IT and industrial automation, and software engineering across distributed and non-distributed environments, while developing responsible AI systems and enterprise-grade benchmarks that help enterprises personalize services, automate operations, optimize workflows, predict demand, and deliver effective outcomes. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, this role offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

Introduction

Join the pioneering Software Innovation Lab team at IBM Software and contribute to shaping the future foundations of artificial intelligence. Our group of scientists and engineers are dedicated to conducting end-to-end research that delivers real-world AI impact through a rigorous, responsible, and open innovation framework. We are the R&D team that is the innovation engine of IBM Software. We are shaping the technologies that IBM customers rely on – today and in the future. As an intern, you will advance state-of-the- art agent architectures and domain-specific models for business processes, IT and industrial automation, and software engineering across distributed and non-distributed environments, while developing responsible AI systems and enterprise-grade benchmarks that help enterprises personalize services, automate operations, optimize workflows, predict demand, and deliver effective outcomes. With a culture built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, this role offers the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to breakthroughs that transform industries and change the world.

Your Role And Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated Research AI Engineer Intern to join our team and help build, test, and deploy real-world applications of AI. In this role, you’ll work closely with engineers, researchers, and product managers to translate cutting- edge AI techniques into practical solutions for enterprise and user-facing applications, as well as contribute to the development of AI tools and platforms that improve how AI systems are built and deployed spanning multiple domains including business process, IT and Industrial Automation and SW engineering for distributed and non-distributed environments. Collaborating in small, mentored teams, you will be responsible for shepherding projects from ideation to completion. A key objective is to disseminate significant results through publications in leading conferences and patent applications, contributing to both the academic community and IBM's open innovation initiatives.

Program Dates:

Internship start dates vary based on your academic calendar.

• Semester System: May 24, 2027 – August 13, 2027
• Quarter System: June 14, 2027 – September 3, 2027

Candidates must be available to participate for the full duration of the internship corresponding to their academic schedule.

Location Flexibility:

By applying to this requisition, you acknowledge and agree to be considered for any of the listed locations associated with this position and are willing to work at the location where you are ultimately assigned.

Preferred Education

Master's Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (BS/MS).
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Familiarity with machine learning fundamentals, natural language processing and generative AI.
• Strong problem- solving mindset and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Strong foundations in machine learning and software engineering, with hands- on experience in deep learning frameworks and rigorous experimental evaluation.
• Prior experience with open- source contributions, research projects, or hackathons related to AI.