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Operations Research Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualifying experience may be obtained through a comprehensive combination of graduate-level research projects, relevant industry experience, and specialized internships in manufacturing or operations ...

Qualifying experience may be obtained through a comprehensive combination of graduate-level research projects, relevant industry experience, and specialized internships in manufacturing or operations ...

Operations Research Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$149K - $211K/yr

Qualifying experience may be obtained through a comprehensive combination of graduate-level research projects, relevant industry experience, and specialized internships in manufacturing or operations ...

Operations Research Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$149K - $211K/yr

Qualifying experience may be obtained through a comprehensive combination of graduate-level research projects, relevant industry experience, and specialized internships in manufacturing or operations ...

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Operations Research Internship information

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How much do operations research internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations research internship in the United States is $17.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Operations Research Internship?

An Operations Research Internship is a temporary position, often offered to students or recent graduates, where individuals gain hands-on experience applying mathematical, statistical, and analytical methods to help solve real-world business problems. Interns typically work with data analysis, optimization models, simulations, and process improvement projects, supporting decision-making in fields like logistics, supply chain, finance, and manufacturing. The internship provides valuable exposure to industry-standard tools and techniques, and helps interns develop practical skills for a career in operations research or analytics.

What types of projects do Operations Research interns typically work on, and how much autonomy can I expect?

As an Operations Research intern, you can expect to work on data-driven projects such as optimizing business processes, developing simulation models, or analyzing supply chain performance. The work often involves collaborating with cross-functional teams like data analysts, engineers, and business managers to identify inefficiencies and propose actionable solutions. While you'll receive guidance from senior staff, interns are often given ownership of specific tasks or sub-projects and are encouraged to contribute their ideas. This balance of mentorship and autonomy helps interns build practical skills and gain exposure to real-world organizational challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operations Research Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Research Intern, you need a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and analytical problem-solving, often supported by coursework in operations research or industrial engineering. Familiarity with programming languages like Python or R, optimization tools such as CPLEX or Gurobi, and data analysis software like Excel or MATLAB is typically required. Effective communication, critical thinking, and teamwork are essential soft skills for conveying complex findings and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure interns can analyze real-world problems, present actionable insights, and support data-driven decision-making within organizations.
More about Operations Research Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Operations Research Internship jobs? Cities with the most Operations Research Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Research jobs? The most popular types of Operations Research jobs are:
What states have the most Operations Research Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Operations Research Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Operations Research Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,693 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
Research Intern - Machine Learning and Optimization - Redmond

Research Intern - Machine Learning and Optimization - Redmond

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

$8.7K - $14K/mo

Internship

Posted 29 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 190 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
Research Internships at Microsoft provide a dynamic environment for research careers with a network of world-class research labs led by globally-recognized scientists and engineers, who pursue innovation in a range of scientific and technical disciplines to help solve complex challenges in diverse fields, including computing, healthcare, economics, and the environment.
The Machine Learning and Optimization (MLO) group in MSR-Redmond performs research in the intersection of optimization, machine learning and systems. Our focus right now is in combining Large Language Model (LLM) technology with optimization for efficient decision making. Example projects include training LLMs for algorithm design (e.g., natural language to integer programming, heuristic design), accelerating optimization algorithms for interactive decision dialogues and using LLMs for sequential and distributed decision-making settings. More broadly, our research leverages theoretical insights for designing algorithms and Machine Learning (ML)-based solutions that run efficiently at scale.
Responsibilities
Research Interns put inquiry and theory into practice. Alongside fellow doctoral candidates and some of the world's best researchers, Research Interns learn, collaborate, and network for life. Research Interns not only advance their own careers, but they also contribute to exciting research and development strides. During the 12-week internship, Research Interns are paired with mentors and expected to collaborate with other Research Interns and researchers, present findings, and contribute to the vibrant life of the community. Research internships are available in all areas of research, and are offered year-round, though they typically begin in the summer.
Additional Responsibilities
Research Interns are expected to design algorithms/models and prototype them, conduct experiments, and analyze results. They are encouraged to show initiative throughout the Research Internship and suggest further directions for research. They are expected to document their ideas, and given suitable results, contribute to a paper.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science, Operations Research or a related STEM field.
  • At least 3 years of experience in C# or C++ or Python (or similar language).

Other Requirements
  • Research Interns are expected to be physically located in their manager's Microsoft worksite location for the duration of their internship.
  • In addition to the qualifications below, you'll need to submit a minimum of two reference letters for this position as well as a cover letter and any relevant work or research samples. After you submit your application, a request for letters may be sent to your list of references on your behalf. Note that reference letters cannot be requested until after you have submitted your application, and furthermore, that they might not be automatically requested for all candidates. You may wish to alert your letter writers in advance, so they will be ready to submit your letter.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in optimization/algorithm design.
  • Experience in machine learning and LLMs (e.g., data curation, post-training, agentic frameworks).
  • Demonstrated ability to run simulations and analyze results.
  • Some knowledge of distributed systems.

The base pay range for this internship is USD $6,710 - $13,270 per month. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $8,760 - $14,360 per month.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-intern-pay
Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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