Data & AI Intern - Summer 2027

Data & AI Intern

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Position Summary

As a Data & AI Product Engineer Intern, you will support the development of data pipelines, models, and applications that power practical Data & AI products. You will contribute to real product work while learning established platform patterns, engineering practices, and quality standards.

This is a hands-on internship designed to provide experience working on real business problems alongside experienced engineers. You will have opportunities to build your Python and SQL skills, learn modern data and AI technologies, and see how solutions move from an idea through development and testing.

You will be part of a small product pod, working with a Product Manager and engineers to deliver and improve useful, reliable products.

Reporting and Scope

This role reports to the Data & AI Product Manager for the assigned product, with technical guidance and support from engineers on the product pod.

As an intern, you will work on defined projects and product backlog items with guidance from the team. The scope of your work may grow throughout the internship as you become more familiar with the platform, products, and engineering practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with building and maintaining data pipelines, including ingestion, transformation, data quality checks, and monitoring.
• Contribute to product features through coding, testing, documentation, and troubleshooting.
• Support machine learning or generative AI components when they are part of the product roadmap.
• Write and test Python and SQL with guidance from experienced engineers.
• Learn and follow established platform patterns, engineering standards, and development practices.
• Participate in code reviews to learn from feedback and develop stronger engineering practices.
• Help investigate defects, data quality issues, and other technical problems.
• Support testing and evaluation to help determine whether data and AI solutions are working as intended.
• Participate in product pod discussions to better understand business requirements and technical decisions.
• Maintain documentation for the components, processes, and projects you support.

How the Work Arrives

Work is driven by a prioritized product backlog and often begins with a business problem to solve. You will work with the product pod to understand the need, contribute to a solution, and learn how Data & AI products are developed and improved over time.

You will have guidance from experienced team members as you learn the platform and products. As you build your skills and demonstrate greater independence, you may take on broader or more complex assignments.

Qualifications and Experience

Who You Are

• You are interested in building practical solutions and seeing how technology is applied to real business problems.
• You are curious and willing to ask questions when you do not understand something.
• You enjoy learning new technologies and applying what you have learned.
• You are interested in both the business problem and the technology used to solve it.
• You welcome feedback and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

Required

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, data science, engineering, mathematics, information systems, or a related discipline.
• Foundational knowledge of Python and SQL through coursework, projects, previous internships, or other experience.
• Basic understanding of databases, data structures, data modeling, software development, or related concepts.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to learn new technical concepts and apply feedback.
• Ability to communicate progress, questions, and challenges clearly.
• Interest in data engineering, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or software development.

Preferred

• Coursework or project experience involving Python, SQL, data engineering, machine learning, or software development.
• Exposure to cloud data platforms or distributed data processing.
• Familiarity with version control tools such as Git, including basic concepts such as branches, commits, and pull requests.
• Exposure to Databricks, Delta Lake, or Unity Catalog.
• Coursework, projects, or personal experience involving machine learning or generative AI.
• Experience developing a technical project individually or as part of a team.

Location: Remote           

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this role is $22-$27 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.