Video Algorithms Intern, Video Coding (Gaussian Splatting), Fall 2026

Netflix; Los Gatos (CA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 68,880; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plans

Mental Health support

401(k) Retirement Plan

Stock Option Program

Disability Programs

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid time off

Job summary

Netflix is seeking a PhD Intern for the Video Algorithms team in Los Gatos, California. This role focuses on exploring Gaussian Splatting for streaming applications, requiring strong software development skills, a solid understanding of machine learning, and programming proficiency in Python. You will engage in cutting-edge 3D scene reconstruction research and contribute to developing innovative rendering solutions. Interns benefit from comprehensive health plans, flexible time off, and a supportive work environment emphasizing inclusion and diversity.

Qualifications

• Expected graduation in June 2027 or later.
• Thrives in complex environments.
• Strong software engineering best practices.

Responsibilities

• Explore GS model compression strategies using open datasets.
• Contribute to dataset needs for representative scenes.
• Characterize trade‑offs among GS model size, training time, rendered quality.

Skills

Software development skills

Python programming

Machine learning concepts

Deep learning concepts

3D/4D scene reconstruction

Education

Currently pursuing a PhD in a technical field

Tools

CUDA

WebGL

Job description

At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we are writing the next episode - pushing the boundaries of storytelling, global fandom and making the unimaginable a reality. We are a dream team obsessed with the uncomfortable excitement of discovering what happens when you merge creativity, intuition and cutting‑edge technology. Come be a part of what's next.

The Role

Gaussian Splatting (GS) is a 3D/4D scene reconstruction technique that enables photorealistic novel‑view synthesis with low rendering complexity, making it attractive for deployment on consumer devices such as TVs, streaming sticks, phones, and laptops. Realizing this vision requires addressing several open technical challenges, such as a significant reduction in model training/encoding time and more efficient compression. As part of the Video Algorithms team during this 24‑week Fall internship, you will help us investigate the potential of GS as a future streaming format and explore possible improvements, with a focus on building towards a practical system.

Responsibilities

• Explore GS model compression strategies using open datasets
• Contribute to early thinking on additional dataset needs for representative scenes.
• Characterize trade‑offs among GS model size, training time, and rendered quality, and quantify the gap relative to streaming‑rate targets
• Identify and experiment with strategies to reduce training/encoding time and/or to improve GS compression efficiency
• Design and implement a proof‑of‑concept (PoC) that showcases GS‑based rendering on content of interest

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD in a technical field such as Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or Statistics, with an expected graduation date in June 2027 or later.
• Thrives working in complex, dynamic, and fast‑moving environments.
• Strong software development skills and feels comfortable with software engineering best practices (e.g., version control, testing, code review, etc.).
• Successful track record in research of 3D/4D scene reconstruction, novel‑view synthesis, Gaussian Splatting or NeRF, differentiable rendering, neural graphics, or 3D computer vision.
• Solid understanding of machine learning and deep learning concepts, with hands‑on experience training and evaluating ML models.
• Able to program fluently in Python.

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with real‑time rendering and GPU programming (CUDA, WebGL, graphics pipelines).
• Background in video compression, streaming systems, or codec standards such as HEVC and AV1.
• Involvement in open‑source multimedia or graphics projects.
• Experience with large‑scale distributed systems and cloud computing.

Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Health Plans, Mental Health support, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, Family‑forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs. Full‑time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full‑time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more details about our Benefits here.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.