AI/ML Engineer Intern

Who We AreSecond Dinner is an award-winning independent game development studio that is here to make the most fun games in the world. Not super fun games. Not SUPER DUPER fun games. We mean the MOST fun games. In fact, our game MARVEL SNAP has earned multiple Mobile Game of the Year Awards (Game Awards, DICE), Best Strategy Game (IGN), and the Apple Design Award for Innovation!Second Dinner is a remote-first studio, so while we are headquartered in Irvine, California, most of our team is fully remote across the United States. We want the most talented teammates wherever they call home. A diverse team with varied perspectives makes us a better company and will help us make better games. If you can bring something new to the table and expand our point of view, that's a huge upside.About the InternshipWe're still finalizing the specific dates, but we are aiming for the internship duration to be approximately 12 to 13 weeks in Summer 2026. This role will be fully remote, but if you are local to our Irvine HQ, there will be opportunities for you to work from the office.Our AI TeamAt Second Dinner, we believe that with great people and a great environment, we can create great games and player experiences. On the AI team, we’re focused on researching, developing, and deploying cutting-edge AI technology to transform not only the way that we make games, but what’s even imaginable. This space is constantly changing, so we’re always keeping a lookout on what’s new and working with other teams to find the best applications across the company. We rapidly prototype and iterate on new ideas with the ultimate goal of redefining what’s possible in game development.Your RoleAs an AI/ML Engineer Intern, you’ll have the opportunity to work with the AI team for Second Dinner! You’ll report to the Associate Director of AI. Your work will be focused on identifying and building applications for emerging technologies from the AI field and will go through the process from ideation and research to prototyping and development.What You’ll Do:Ideate on novel applications of AI research to the game development spaceConduct research on relevant techniques and technologiesWork with the AI team to build and iterate on prototypes of your projectPresent and share your work both to the AI team and other members of the companyCollaborate with various teams across Second DinnerWhat You’ll Need:Experience programmingStrong understanding of AI models such as Large Language Models, Diffusion Networks, or Deep Reinforcement Learning methodsGrowth mindset, passion for learning new technologies and skillsAwesome technical and personal communication skillsExcitement to build out new applications for emerging technology to create the best gamesNice to Have, but Not Necessary:Strong experience in PythonResearch experience in AIExperience modifying, fine tuning, and adapting deep learning modelsCurrently pursuing an advanced degree in a related field (machine learning, computer science, data science, etc.)Experience in game developmentExperience with Git or other version control systemsRequirements:Currently enrolled at a university or college in a Master's or PhD programEligible to work in the United StatesCompensation: $50/HR - $55/HRWe are an equal opportunity employer that places high value on diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, disability status, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military status, or veteran status.You must be legally authorized to work and reside in the United States. We do not sponsor visas or support employment outside the U.S. for this role.