Research Engineering Internship - AI, Computer Vision, & Visualization

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 68,880 - 82,656; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous discount on all WSI brands

401(k) plan

Paid vacations and holidays

Health and dental insurance

Tax-free commuter benefits

Job summary

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. seeks a talented research intern for its engineering team at Outward, Inc. in San Jose, CA. The intern will work on innovative projects involving AI, imaging, and machine learning, focusing on developing new visual experiences.

This three-month paid internship offers exposure to cutting-edge technologies and the chance to significantly contribute to product visualization initiatives. Ideal candidates should be graduate students with a strong academic background and skills in Python or C++.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• 1-2+ years of experience in software development.
• Strong software engineering skills in Python or C++.

Responsibilities

• Focus on delivering new visual experiences in imaging and machine learning.
• Apply advanced techniques for tasks such as segmentation and detection.
• Support integration of AI into production processes and workflows.

Skills

Deep Neural Networks for Vision

Generative Algorithms

AI Integration and Automation

Quality Control and Product Enhancement

Synthetic Content Creation

Education

Graduate program in CS, EE, Applied Math

Tools

NumPy

scikit-learn

OpenCV

Blender API

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Job Description

Outward, Inc. is based in San Jose, CA and is a wholly owned technology subsidiary of Williams Sonoma, Inc.

At Outward Inc., our vision is to ‘lower the friction’ in every aspect of the customer shopping journey for our Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. brands. We achieve this by leveraging cutting‑edge technology to create innovative and intuitive experiences, with top‑notch product visualizations. We are at the forefront of product visualization, integrating 3D, AR/VR, and web technologies to redefine the shopping experience.

In addition, we are pioneering the use of generative AI to transform e‑commerce. By harnessing the power of AI, we aim to revolutionize how products are presented and interacted with, enhancing consumer engagement and driving the future of online shopping. Our mission is to deepen consumer connections with the products that matter and deliver best‑in‑class experiences.

We’re looking for talented research interns for our engineering team focusing on delivering new visual experiences. The team works on problems in imaging, computer vision, graphics, and machine learning.

Areas of Interest

• Deep Neural Networks for Vision: Apply advanced techniques in DNNs for tasks such as segmentation and detection to solve complex vision problems.
• Generative Algorithms: Work with generative models, including Stable Diffusion, to enhance visual content creation and realism.
• AI Integration and Automation: Support the integration of AI into production processes, streamline workflows, and transition tasks to AI‑driven automation.
• Quality Control and Product Enhancement: Contribute to developing AI solutions that improve quality control and enhance product visuals.
• Synthetic Content Creation: Generation of realistic photo quality content via the image content pipelines.

Qualifications

• You are currently enrolled in a graduate program in CS, EE, Applied Math or similar field.
• 1‑2+ years of working experience as an engineer in a software development position.
• You are on track to graduate with your Ph.D. or MSc degree between Fall/Winter 2025 or Spring/Summer 2026.
• You have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• You have experience with scientific libraries such as NumPy, scikit‑learn, image manipulation libraries like OpenCV, Blender API, machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, Image GenAI models.
• You have skills in design and implementation of algorithms.
• You have strong software engineering skills in Python or C++.
• You have strong communication skills.
• You must be able to work onsite in our San Jose location.

Desired Skills (Nice‑to‑have)

• Skills in processing and cleaning data.
• Experience with maintaining PostgreSQL databases and image content.
• Building UI using Python or React framework ecosystems.
• Experience working with Blender API.
• Understanding of Image and Unstructured data.
• Working experience on cloud infrastructure.

Internship Duration (start & End Date)

• This is a three month internship starting in fall 2025, with the opportunity to work 20‑40 hours a week.
• Paid internship. Non‑Exempt. Hourly.

Benefits

• A generous discount on all WSI brands.
• A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities.
• Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer.
• Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same‑sex domestic partner benefits.
• Tax‑free commuter benefits.
• A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health.

Continued Learning

• In‑person and online learning opportunities through WSI University.
• Cross‑brand and cross‑function career opportunities.
• Resources for self‑development.
• Advisor (Mentor) program.
• Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series.

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or “sponsor” an individual for this position (for example, H‑1B or other employment‑based immigration).

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams‑Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.

The expected pay range for this position is $50‑$60 hourly. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job‑related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.