PhD Intern, AI/ML/NLP Engineer

WEX is building an AI Engineering team focused on integrating artificial intelligence into its core products and business. The PhD Research Intern will collaborate with engineers, product managers, and domain experts to research, design, code, test, and prototype AI/ML solutions, including large language models, while analyzing platforms and presenting project outcomes.

What you'll do:

• Collaborate with senior engineers, product managers, and domain experts to understand our customers' needs and challenges
• Apply your research skills to design, code, and test novel AI/ML solutions
• Develop, evaluate, and iterate on AI/ML models (including LLMs) to solve a core business problem
• Analyze existing platforms to identify bottlenecks and propose opportunities for algorithmic or systems-level improvements
• Gain hands-on experience with our production systems, including CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions) and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform)
• Present your findings and project outcomes to the team and key stakeholders at the end of your internship

What they're looking for:

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program** in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Statistics, or a related quantitative field
• Demonstrated research experience in AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, or Generative AI (e.g., publications, conference papers, or significant project work)
• Strong programming skills in at least one of our core languages: **Python, Java, C#, or GoLang**
• Deep understanding of modern ML algorithms, platforms, and packages (including deep learning and LLMs)
• Solid grasp of probability and statistics concepts (e.g., distributions, Bayesian inference, maximum likelihood estimation)
• A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills, with an ability to translate complex research into practical applications
• Evidence of innovative problem-solving and a drive to learn and excel
• This is a remote position; however, the candidate must reside within 30 miles of one of the following locations: Portland, ME; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; San Francisco Bay Area, CA; or Seattle, WA
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS)
• Familiarity with software development best practices (SDLC), CI/CD tools, and IaC (e.g., Terraform)
• Familiarity with container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes)
• Experience or interest in the financial technology (FinTech) industry

Benefits:

• Additional benefits and bonus eligibility.
• Health, dental and vision insurances
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• Health savings account
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Dedicated mentor