Software Engineer Intern, Machine Learning (PhD)

Meta; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Meta is seeking a PhD intern for ML systems and models powering its products. You will build scalable classifiers, contribute to web-scale ML tools, and work with distributed computing, AI, and databases.

The internship lasts at least 12 weeks in 2026, with start dates announced by Meta. You will collaborate across teams, adapt ML methods to distributed and GPU environments, and help advance Meta's research-to-production pipeline.

Qualifications

• Currently holds, or is pursuing, a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Vision, ML, or related field.
• Experience in ML, DL, RL, NLP, recommender systems, or vision.
• Experience in systems software or algorithms.
• Proficient in Java, C/C++, Perl, PHP, or Python.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable classifiers and ML tools.
• Gather and synthesize requirements, build feature roadmaps.
• Code deliverables with engineering teams.
• Adapt ML methods to parallel environments (clusters, multicore, GPU).
• Responsibilities vary by team.

Skills

Java

C/C++

Python

Perl

PHP

Education

PhD in Computer Science/Machine Learning

Tools

Hadoop/Hbase/Pig

MapReduce/Sawzall/Bigtable

Job description

Meta is embarking on the most transformative change to its business and technology in company history, and our Machine Learning teams are at the forefront of this evolution. By taking on crucial projects and initiatives that have never been done before, you have an opportunity to help advance the way people connect around the world.In order to meet the demands of our scale, we approach machine learning challenges from a system engineering standpoint, pushing the boundaries of scalable computing and tying together numerous complex platforms to build models that leverage trillions of actions. Our research and production implementations leverage many of the innovations being generated from Meta’s research in Distributed Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Databases, and run on the same hardware and network specifications that are being open sourced through the Open Compute project.As a PhD intern at Meta, you will help build machine learning systems and models behind Meta’s products, create web applications that reach millions of people, build high volume servers and be a part of a team that’s working to help connect people around the globe.As part of our hiring process, PhD interns are matched to a relevant team based on their experience and interests.This internship has a minimum twelve (12) week duration with 2026 start dates only.

Software Engineer Intern, Machine Learning (PhD) Responsibilities:

• Develop highly scalable classifiers and tools leveraging machine learning, regression, and rules-based models
• Suggest, collect and synthesize requirements and create effective feature roadmap
• Code deliverables in tandem with the engineering team
• Adapt standard machine learning methods to best exploit modern parallel environments (e.g. distributed clusters, multicore SMP, and GPU)
• Perform specific responsibilities which vary by team

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently has, or is in the process of obtaining, a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, or related field
• Research and/or work experience in a relevant field, such as machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, NLP, recommendation systems, pattern recognition, signal processing, data mining, artificial intelligence, or computer vision
• Experience in systems software or algorithms
• Experience coding in Java, C/C++, Perl, PHP, or Python
• Interpersonal experience: cross-group and cross-culture collaboration
• Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire, and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Intent to return to degree-program after the completion of the internship/co-op
• Demonstrated software engineer experience via an internship, work experience, coding competitions, or PhD papers
• Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences
• Demonstrated creativity and quick problem solving capabilities
• Experience with Hadoop/Hbase/Pig or Mapreduce/Sawzall/Bigtable

About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

Equality & Diversity Statement:

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affimative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [e-mail].

$7,313/month to $12,667/month + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.