ML Research Scientist Intern (Fall 2025)

Are you ready to revolutionize the advertising industry? At Cognitiv, we are not just another AdTech company—we are industry trailblazers redefining media buying with our Deep Learning Advertising Platform. Since 2015, we have harnessed the power of cutting-edge deep learning technology and data science to transform how brands connect with their customers. Our mission? To bring intelligence to advertising and deliver unparalleled precision, relevance, and impact at scale.

With our innovative platform, advertisers enjoy unprecedented flexibility—whether it is activating Dynamic Deals through their preferred DSP, leveraging our managed service DSP, or utilizing our industry-first ContextGPT product. As a part of Cognitiv, you will be at the forefront of AI-driven advertising solutions, driving change and achieving remarkable growth in a rapidly evolving industry.

Life At Cognitiv

Our solutions provide advertisers with more time and freedom to concentrate on what matters to them most, both professionally and personally. We carry this philosophy into our workplace, offering our employees more chances to grow, collaborate, and achieve their goals. At Cognitiv, you will get MORE :

- Festiv - Fun and positivity are integral to our work environment. From cross-departmental games to friendly competitions and unique events, we ensure a dynamic and enthusiastic culture.

- Responsiv - Making a difference for our clients is at the heart of what we do. To make this one of our superpowers, we strive to create a culture of open communication and continuous learning. You will work closely with clients and key company stakeholders, sharpening your communication skills in a supportive environment where your input and ideas are valued and integral to our success.

- Inclusiv - Diversity and inclusion are more than just words to us—they are principles we live by. We celebrate unique perspectives, ensuring everyone feels valued and respected.

- Inventiv - As industry pioneers, we continuously reinvent and reimagine solutions. Sharing our knowledge and expertise to educate and lead the market is part of our DNA. If you love questioning the status quo, pushing boundaries, and challenging conventional thinking, you will fit right in. We admire intellectual curiosity and encourage it at every turn.

- Transformativ - We invest in the continuous growth and development of our team members, celebrating their contributions and supporting their work-life balance and overall well-being. Our holistic training, onboarding programs, and professional growth and development initiatives ensure you have the resources to succeed.

- Collaborativ - We transcend geographical boundaries, seamlessly operating across two coasts. Our culture thrives on cross-departmental collaboration and a unified sense of purpose, making teamwork a cornerstone of our success.

We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineer Intern to integrate into our high-performing Research Science group. This unique internship is designed for individuals eager to leverage their skills in crafting revolutionary deep learning solutions and refining our machine learning infrastructure. If you are passionate about propelling the technological boundaries in machine learning, crafting groundbreaking algorithms for multi-billion dollar markets, and thriving within a vibrant, forward-thinking atmosphere, your moment has arrived.

As this is fall internship, we are open for a hybrid work schedule of 3 days in office (Mon/Tue/Wed) at our San Mateo, CA office or fully remote.

Responsibilities

• Innovate and refine advanced deep learning architectures, enhancing our machine learning models' efficacy and innovation, directly contributing to our mission in advancing real-time bidding (RTB) algorithms.
• Engage in proactive research on Large Language Models (LLM), applying insights to fortify our algorithms and elevate the precision of ad targeting and bidding strategies within the dynamic landscape of AdTech.
• Develop, test, and deploy sophisticated machine learning tools and methodologies, establishing and following top-tier coding and engineering standards.
• Focus on creating robust training, deployment, and monitoring pipelines to solve intricate AdTech challenges, thus elevating model performance and scalability.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively across diverse teams within the organization, translating complex ML concepts into actionable strategies.

Requirements

• Currently working towards earning a BS or MS in Computer Science or a related technical field
• Strong coding skills in Python.
• Expertise in deep learning architectures (e.g., transformers), frameworks (e.g., PyTorch), and related libraries.
• Knowledge of distributed computing, cloud platforms, and big data technologies.
• Proficiency in software engineering principles, algorithms, and data structures.
• Exceptional problem-solving capabilities and excellent communication skills, fostering effective teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior involvement in Recommendation System Research, particularly those who have developed or explored recommendation algorithms.
• Distinguished achievements in Computer Science or Mathematics Competitions, highlighting exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrable Non-Academic Technical Experience, such as participation in hackathons, showcasing hands-on, innovative technical abilities outside traditional academic realms.
• Proficiency with at least one modern front-end framework (e.g., React, Vue) and its ecosystem (JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML5).
• Strong C++ programming skills are a significant advantage.

Salary

• $30-32/hr DOE

Actual compensation is based on multiple factors that are unique to each candidate, including and not limited to job-related knowledge, level of relevant experience, education and skills. Base salary is just one component of your total rewards package at Cognitiv. Employees are eligible for equity and various benefits.

Here are some of the many benefits that our employees receive:

● Medical, Dental and Vision coverage, including some plans that are 100% employer paid

●12 weeks paid parental leave

● Career Ladders slated to advance your career

● Unlimited PTO

● Work-From-Anywhere August

● Equity at all levels

● Comprehensive onboarding program (Cognitiv University)

● Hybrid work model

● Daily Lunch On Us

● Health and Wellness Stipend

● Cell phone reimbursement

● Parking Expense (CA & WA Offices)

●401(k) plan with employer match

● Employee Assistance Program

● Pre-tax commuter benefits

and MORE!

Cognitiv is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.