Machine Learning Engineer Intern
About this role
Coinbase requires a dedicated machine learning engineer intern to bridge the gap between academic research and production-scale deployment within crypto platforms. The selected candidate will tackle complex challenges in platform security, user personalization, and blockchain use cases by deploying robust ML architectures. Operating within a high-performance environment, the incoming intern will take full ownership of a targeted research-to-production project over a 12-week summer term.
Working alongside senior engineers and product teams, this individual will transform advanced methodologies into functional workflows that impact millions of users. The ideal candidate is a rigorous doctoral researcher who combines solid Python programming skills with practical experience in deep learning frameworks. Someone who thrives in a demanding, fast-paced setting and communicates technical findings clearly to cross-functional stakeholders will succeed here.
What you will do
- Design, implement, and maintain machine learning models and data pipelines operating at production scale.
- Lead an independent, end-to-end research initiative that applies modern machine learning techniques to specific business challenges.
- Collaborate closely with senior engineers and product groups to discover new machine learning applications for cryptocurrency and blockchain domains.
- Deliver formal presentations detailing project findings and strategic recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders at the end of the internship.
What you need
- Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program with active research publications or manuscripts in machine learning, deep learning, or a related technical discipline.
- Demonstrated practical capability in building and training models using standard machine learning frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow.
- Hands-on experience applying supervised learning, unsupervised learning, or reinforcement learning approaches to diverse datasets.
- Working knowledge of core software engineering practices including version control, automated testing, and clean Python code development.
- Ability to apply generative AI tools responsibly while maintaining human oversight to enhance workflow efficiency and output quality.
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the work location policy for this internship?
Coinbase operates on a hybrid model with a San Francisco, CA presence and requires attendance at quarterly in-person working sessions known as surges. The company functions as a remote-first organization rather than a strictly remote one.
What is the compensation for this role?
The target hourly rate for this position is fixed at $60 USD, though exact compensation can vary depending on the work location.
How long does the internship program last?
This is a structured 12-week internship scheduled for the summer of 2027. Participants spend this period taking ownership of a research-to-production project.
What qualifications are needed to apply?
Candidates must be currently pursuing a Ph.D. with published or in-progress research in machine learning, deep learning, or a related field. Applicants also need proficiency in frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow and solid Python engineering fundamentals.