PhD intern on Netflix's AI Platform team building large-scale ML/AI infrastructure—training platforms, GPU-optimized inference, and serving systems—at the intersection of systems and machine learning.
Compensation
$40–$85 / hr
Location
Los Gatos
Work setup
Not specified
Seniority
Intern
Employment
Internship
Experience
Not specified
Category
Ml / AI
Posted
Skills
ai
airtable
cpp
distributed-systems
distributed-training
gpu
kubernetes
machine-learning
networking
python
rust
spark
Must have
Currently enrolled PhD student in Computer Science, Distributed Systems, Systems, Networking, Machine Learning, Computer Engineering, or related field
Research or applied experience in distributed systems / distributed training/serving infrastructure
Research or applied experience in ML training platforms, post-training or offline infrastructure
Research or applied experience in inference and serving optimization, GPU-optimized inference
Research or applied experience in model–system codesign
Proficiency in Python
Familiarity with distributed compute frameworks (Ray, Kubernetes, Spark) and ML training/serving stacks
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Nice to have
Experience with systems languages (Go, C++, or Rust)
Publications or strong research alignment with systems-track venues (OSDI, SOSP, NSDI) or applied ML venues
Prior industry or internship experience in ML infrastructure
Full 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.
Netflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services, with over 300 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages.
The AI Platform team builds the infrastructure that Netflix's ML and AI systems run on, from large-scale training platforms and post-training/offline infrastructure to GPU-optimized inference and serving.
You'll work on infrastructure that's closely co-designed with modeling teams (model–system codesign), so this role suits PhD researchers who enjoy working at the intersection of systems and ML rather than pure modeling.
We are looking for individuals with the following qualifications:
Currently enrolled student pursuing a PhD in Computer Science, Distributed Systems, Systems, Networking, Machine Learning, Computer Engineering, or a related field
Research or applied experience in one or more of the following:
ML training platforms, post-training or offline infrastructure
Inference and serving optimization, GPU-optimized inference
Model–system codesign
Proficiency in Python; experience with systems languages (Go, C++, or Rust) is a strong plus
Familiarity with distributed compute frameworks (e.g., Ray, Kubernetes, Spark) and ML training/serving stacks
Curious, self-motivated, and excited about solving open-ended infrastructure challenges at Netflix scale
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Nice to have:
Publications or strong research alignment with systems-track venues (OSDI, SOSP, NSDI) or applied ML venues
Prior industry or internship experience in ML infrastructure
Program details:
12-week minimum internship with a start date early January 2027
Based at our Los Gatos, CA headquarters, may be open to remote candidates
Intended for students returning to school for at least one semester/quarter after the internship; conversion/return offers are based on business need and headcount, and are not guaranteed
You will be sent an Airtable form shortly after you submit your application on our careers site; your application will not be considered complete until you fill out and submit this form.
Include a Resume or CV with complete contact information (email, phone, mailing address) and a list of relevant coursework and publications (if applicable). You will be asked to include a short statement describing your research experiences and interests, and (optionally) their relevance to Netflix Research. For inspiration, have a look at the Netflix Research site.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and it's in the applicant's best interest to apply early. The application window will remain open until roles are filled.
About the Internship Program
At Netflix, we offer a personalized experience for interns, and our aim is to offer an experience that mimics what it is like to actually work here. We match qualified interns with projects and groups based on interests and skill sets, and fully embed interns within those groups. Netflix is a unique place to work and we live by our values, so it's worth learning more about our culture.
Internships are paid and are a minimum of 12 weeks, with a fixed start date the second week of January 2027 (Winter). Location is flexible for this team, with remote candidates considered.
This program is intended for students who will be returning to school for at least one semester/quarter following the internship to be eligible for full time employment. Conversion or return offers are based on business need and headcount, and are not guaranteed.
At Netflix, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors to determine the Intern top of market. We rely on market indicators to determine compensation and consider your specific job, skills, and experience to get it right. These considerations can cause your compensation to vary and will also be dependent on your location. The overall market range for Netflix Internships is typically $40/hour - $85/hour.
This market range is based on total compensation (vs. only base salary), which is in line with our compensation philosophy. Netflix is a unique culture and environment. Learn more 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.
Apply now and help us shape the future of entertainment at Netflix!
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.
Netflix is a unique culture and environment. Learn more 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.
Job is open for no less than 7 days and will be removed when the position is filled.