AI Foundations - Software Engineer - Research Internship 2027

IBM is a technology and research company whose AI Foundations Research team develops responsible, open innovations in artificial intelligence. The AI Software Engineer Intern will identify research challenges, design and validate prototype solutions, develop scalable infrastructure, and transform novel algorithms into high-performance, reusable code within distributed frameworks.

What you'll do:

• As an AI Software Engineer Intern, you will engage in the full research lifecycle to pioneer new advancements in artificial intelligence
• Your role will involve identifying core challenges, designing novel prototype solutions, and validating them through rigorous experimentation
• You will develop the robust, scalable infrastructure that powers cutting-edge AI research
• Collaborating in small, expert-led teams, you will drive projects from concept to completion — transforming novel algorithms into high-performance, reusable code within modern, distributed frameworks, while contributing to IBM's open innovation initiatives

What they're looking for:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Familiarity with core concepts of modern AI, including Transformer architectures and Large Language Models (LLMs). Hands-on class or project experience is a plus
• Experience with Python for software development, scripting, or prototyping
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with an ability to break down complex problems
• Ability to clearly explain technical concepts and work collaboratively within a team
• A strong interest in AI research and a commitment to building high-quality, well-tested code
• High School Diploma/GED
• Expertise in ML frameworks (PyTorch) and full-cycle development of algorithms and systems
• Hands-on experience with generative AI (LLMs) and multimodal models
• Ability to present complex research and build high-impact technical demonstrations

Benefits:

• Supplemental 1 employees may be eligible for up to 8 paid holidays
• Supplemental 1 employees may be eligible for a minimum of 56 hours paid sick time
• Supplemental 1 employees may be eligible for the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• IBM offers paid family medical leave to eligible employees where required by applicable law
• IBM offers disability benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law