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Machine Learning Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Machine Learning

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

First Machine Learning Engineer (US Remote - $200k-$250k) Do you dream of using machine learning to empower businesses to take action on their data? Join a mission-driven company! About Us * We're ...

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Machine Learning Intern information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$42K

$86.8K

How much do machine learning intern jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for machine learning intern in California is $42,026.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,100.00 and $45,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a machine learning intern do?

A Machine Learning Intern assists with developing, testing, and deploying machine learning models under the supervision of experienced data scientists or engineers. Their responsibilities may include data preprocessing, feature engineering, coding algorithms, analyzing results, and assisting with research tasks. Interns often work with programming languages like Python and libraries such as TensorFlow or PyTorch. The internship provides hands-on experience in real-world machine learning projects and helps interns build essential skills for a future career in the field.

What does a machine learning intern do?

A machine learning intern works in the field of data science. During an internship, you work alongside machine learning engineers who are developing artificial intelligence programs. They do this by writing computer code that allows a software system to run autonomously. Your exact responsibilities depend on the type and level of engineering that the company does. While you likely do not have coding duties, you may help the programmers test or debug their code. You may also work with algorithms and the mathematical aspects of artificial intelligence. A machine learning intern works under the supervision of a lead engineer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine learning intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Learning Intern, you need a solid understanding of statistics, programming (especially Python), and foundational machine learning concepts, typically supported by coursework or a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and data analysis libraries, as well as experience with version control systems like Git, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, curiosity, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These abilities are essential for analyzing data, building models, and collaborating with teams to develop innovative AI solutions.

What types of projects do machine learning interns typically work on, and how are they supported by the team?

Machine Learning Interns often contribute to real-world projects such as data preprocessing, developing and testing models, or assisting with research for new algorithms. Interns are usually paired with a mentor or work within a small team, receiving guidance during code reviews and regular check-ins. This collaborative environment helps interns gain practical experience, quickly overcome challenges, and integrate feedback, ensuring a steep learning curve and valuable industry exposure.

What is the difference between Machine Learning Intern vs Data Science Intern?

AspectMachine Learning InternData Science Intern
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields; knowledge of programming and ML frameworksUsually pursuing or recent graduate in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields; strong analytical and programming skills
Work EnvironmentTech companies, research labs, startups focusing on AI/ML projectsBusiness, finance, healthcare, and tech sectors analyzing data for insights
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in companies developing AI products, research institutions, tech startupsCommon in organizations requiring data analysis, reporting, and decision-making support

While both roles involve working with data and programming, a Machine Learning Intern focuses specifically on developing and implementing machine learning models, whereas a Data Science Intern works more broadly on analyzing data, creating reports, and deriving insights. The roles often overlap, but the Machine Learning Intern role emphasizes algorithm development and model deployment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Learning jobs in California?

The most popular types of Machine Learning jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Machine Learning Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Machine Learning Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Learning Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,026 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Machine Learning Engineer Intern (Lead Ads) - 2027 Summer

TikTok

San Jose, CA • On-site

$45/hr

Other

Medical, Life

Posted 14 days ago


TikTok rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

Responsibilities
The Lead Ads team empowers TikTok's global monetization (billion-dollar business) via efficiently delivering lead ads on TikTok. Our mission is to push the boundaries of large-scale ads delivery systems and lead the innovations of TikTok's personalized online advertising. We are looking for talented individuals to join us for an internship. Our internship program offers students hands-on experience, industry exposure, and opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while building a strong foundation for personal and professional growth. Interns will gain practical experience, explore potential career paths, and participate in social events, learning programs, and development workshops alongside industry professionals. Candidates may apply to a maximum of two positions across Our Company and its affiliates globally. Applications will be considered in the order they are submitted. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Please clearly state your availability in your resume, including your start and end dates. Responsibilities: - Participate in the development of a large-scale Ads system - Responsible for relevance model and strategy optimization, such as semantic matching models, active learning, text/photo/video multi-model, ranking strategy, etc - Participate in the development and iteration of Ads algorithms by using Machine Learning. - Work on NLP (Natural Language Processing) capability improvement and query understanding, such as query classification, seq2seq, NER (Named Entity Recognition), knowledge graph, bidword optimization, etc - Work on CTR/CVR model estimation accuracy, data analysis, modeling, feature engineering - Research and develop Ads pacing algorithms, ads traffic control, etc - Partner with product managers and product strategy & operation team to define product strategy and features
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: - Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or above degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline. - Solid programming skills, including but not limited to: Go, C/C++, Python. Familiar with basic data structure and algorithms. Familiar with Linux development environment. - Good analytical thinking capability. Have essential knowledge and skills in statistics. - Good theoretical grounding in the machine and deep learning concepts and techniques (CNN/RNN/LSTM, etc.). - Familiar with the architecture and implementation of at least one mainstream machine learning programming framework (TensorFlow/PyTorch/MXNet), familiar with its architecture and implementation mechanism. - Must be able to commit to a 12-week full-time work period during Summer 2027. Preferred Qualifications: - Ads system, recommendation, searching, ranking, etc.
Job Information
[For Pay Transparency]Compensation Description (Hourly) - Campus Intern
The hourly rate range for this position in the selected city is $45- $45.
Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Interns have day one access to health insurance, life insurance, wellbeing benefits and more. Interns also receive 10 paid holidays per year and paid sick time (56 hours if hired in first half of year, 40 if hired in second half of year). Interns who are not working 100% remote may also be eligible for housing allowance.
The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice.
For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:
1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues;
2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and
3. Exercising sound judgment.
About TikTok
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
Why Join Us
Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect - and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day.
We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.
Diversity & Inclusion
TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.
TikTok Accommodation
TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at

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