Data Science Intern Jobs for OPT Students
Data Science Intern roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions in tech, with most employers already familiar with F-1 work authorization. Your 12-month OPT window, or up to 36 months on STEM OPT extension, gives you real runway to contribute to machine learning, analytics, and modeling projects.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Meshy
Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Meshy is the leading 3D generative AI company on a mission to Unleash 3D Creativity by transforming the content creation pipeline. Meshy makes it effortless for both professional artists and hobbyists to create unique 3D assets—turning text and images into stunning 3D models in just minutes. What once took weeks and cost $1,000 now takes just 2 minutes and $1.
Our world-class team of top experts in computer graphics, AI, and art includes alumni from MIT, Stanford, and Berkeley, as well as veterans from Nvidia and Microsoft. Our talent spans the globe, with team members distributed across North America, Asia, and Oceania, fostering a diverse and innovative multi-regional culture focused on solving global 3D challenges. Meshy is trusted by top developers, backed by premiere venture capital firms like Sequoia and GGV, and has successfully raised $52 Million in funding.
Meshy is the market leader, recognized as the No.1 in popularity among 3D AI tools (according to 2024 A16Z Games) and No.1 in website traffic (according to SimilarWeb, with 3 Million monthly visits). The platform boasts over 5 Million users and has generated 40 Million models.
Founder and CEO Yuanming (Ethan) Hu earned his Ph.D. in graphics and AI from MIT, where he developed the acclaimed Taichi GPU programming language (27K stars on GitHub, used by 300+ institutes). His work is highly influential, including an honorable mention for the SIGGRAPH 2022 Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award and over 2,700 research citations.
Role Overview
We are looking for a high-caliber Data Science Intern to join our U.S. team. This is a hands-on, applied role where you will work directly on business-critical machine learning and analytics initiatives alongside senior data science leadership.
You will contribute to high-impact projects such as recommendation systems, user segmentation, and churn analysis. This is not a research-only internship—you will solve real product and growth problems with measurable business outcomes, directly influencing product strategy and monetization decisions.
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Type: Full-time during summer and part-time during academic term
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development and validation of machine learning models, including recommendation systems, user segmentation, and churn prediction
- Assist in building LTV and revenue forecasting models to support growth and monetization strategy
- Design and analyze experiments to evaluate model effectiveness and business impact
- Conduct exploratory data analysis across both structured (schema-ready) and raw datasets
- Build dashboards and clear data narratives to communicate findings effectively
- Collaborate with Product, Growth, and Engineering teams to translate insights into actionable strategies and measurable business impact
Qualifications Required
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field
- Solid foundation in statistics and core machine learning concepts
- Strong proficiency in Python (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn or similar libraries)
- Proficiency in SQL and experience working with structured datasets
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work through ambiguous problems
- Practical experience applying AI tools in data analysis workflows, or a strong demonstrated interest in leveraging AI for analytical problem-solving
- Prior professional or internship experience in data science, analytics, or machine learning
- Excellent communication skills and ability to clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
Preferred
- Experience with recommendation systems, NLP, forecasting, or predictive modeling
- Interest in generative AI, 3D, or creator platforms
- Fluent in both English and Mandarin, with the ability to communicate at a professional level in both written and verbal forms.
Our Values
- Brain: We value intelligence and the pursuit of knowledge. Our team is composed of some of the brightest minds in the industry.
- Heart: We care deeply about our work, our users, and each other. Empathy and passion drive us forward.
- Gut: We trust our instincts and are not afraid to take bold risks. Innovation requires courage.
- Taste: We have a keen eye for quality and aesthetics. Our products are not just functional but also beautiful.
Why Join Meshy?
- Competitive salary, equity, and benefits package.
- Opportunity to work with a talented and passionate team at the forefront of AI and 3D technology.
- Flexible work environment, with options for remote and on-site work.
- Opportunities for fast professional growth and development.
- An inclusive culture that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
- Unlimited, flexible time off.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- The latest and best office equipment.
About Meshy
Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Meshy is the leading 3D generative AI company on a mission to Unleash 3D Creativity by transforming the content creation pipeline. Meshy makes it effortless for both professional artists and hobbyists to create unique 3D assets—turning text and images into stunning 3D models in just minutes. What once took weeks and cost $1,000 now takes just 2 minutes and $1.
Our world-class team of top experts in computer graphics, AI, and art includes alumni from MIT, Stanford, and Berkeley, as well as veterans from Nvidia and Microsoft. Our talent spans the globe, with team members distributed across North America, Asia, and Oceania, fostering a diverse and innovative multi-regional culture focused on solving global 3D challenges. Meshy is trusted by top developers, backed by premiere venture capital firms like Sequoia and GGV, and has successfully raised $52 Million in funding.
Meshy is the market leader, recognized as the No.1 in popularity among 3D AI tools (according to 2024 A16Z Games) and No.1 in website traffic (according to SimilarWeb, with 3 Million monthly visits). The platform boasts over 5 Million users and has generated 40 Million models.
Founder and CEO Yuanming (Ethan) Hu earned his Ph.D. in graphics and AI from MIT, where he developed the acclaimed Taichi GPU programming language (27K stars on GitHub, used by 300+ institutes). His work is highly influential, including an honorable mention for the SIGGRAPH 2022 Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award and over 2,700 research citations.
Role Overview
We are looking for a high-caliber Data Science Intern to join our U.S. team. This is a hands-on, applied role where you will work directly on business-critical machine learning and analytics initiatives alongside senior data science leadership.
You will contribute to high-impact projects such as recommendation systems, user segmentation, and churn analysis. This is not a research-only internship—you will solve real product and growth problems with measurable business outcomes, directly influencing product strategy and monetization decisions.
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Type: Full-time during summer and part-time during academic term
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development and validation of machine learning models, including recommendation systems, user segmentation, and churn prediction
- Assist in building LTV and revenue forecasting models to support growth and monetization strategy
- Design and analyze experiments to evaluate model effectiveness and business impact
- Conduct exploratory data analysis across both structured (schema-ready) and raw datasets
- Build dashboards and clear data narratives to communicate findings effectively
- Collaborate with Product, Growth, and Engineering teams to translate insights into actionable strategies and measurable business impact
Qualifications Required
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field
- Solid foundation in statistics and core machine learning concepts
- Strong proficiency in Python (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn or similar libraries)
- Proficiency in SQL and experience working with structured datasets
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work through ambiguous problems
- Practical experience applying AI tools in data analysis workflows, or a strong demonstrated interest in leveraging AI for analytical problem-solving
- Prior professional or internship experience in data science, analytics, or machine learning
- Excellent communication skills and ability to clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
Preferred
- Experience with recommendation systems, NLP, forecasting, or predictive modeling
- Interest in generative AI, 3D, or creator platforms
- Fluent in both English and Mandarin, with the ability to communicate at a professional level in both written and verbal forms.
Our Values
- Brain: We value intelligence and the pursuit of knowledge. Our team is composed of some of the brightest minds in the industry.
- Heart: We care deeply about our work, our users, and each other. Empathy and passion drive us forward.
- Gut: We trust our instincts and are not afraid to take bold risks. Innovation requires courage.
- Taste: We have a keen eye for quality and aesthetics. Our products are not just functional but also beautiful.
Why Join Meshy?
- Competitive salary, equity, and benefits package.
- Opportunity to work with a talented and passionate team at the forefront of AI and 3D technology.
- Flexible work environment, with options for remote and on-site work.
- Opportunities for fast professional growth and development.
- An inclusive culture that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
- Unlimited, flexible time off.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- The latest and best office equipment.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Data Science Intern
Lead with your STEM OPT eligibility
Data science qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Mention this upfront with recruiters. Many employers weigh STEM eligibility heavily when deciding whether to invest in an intern.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Internships at companies that regularly sponsor H-1B visas are your clearest path to long-term authorization. Prior H-1B filing activity signals that a company has immigration infrastructure in place and is open to sponsoring international employees after an internship.
Align your degree field explicitly
STEM OPT requires your role to be directly related to your degree. A computer science or statistics degree maps cleanly to data science. If your degree is adjacent, like economics or engineering, document the connection clearly before your employer files your I-983 training plan.
Apply early in the semester before OPT starts
Internship hiring for summer cycles often closes months in advance. Apply three to four months before your intended start date. OPT applications take time to process, so confirm your EAD arrival timeline before committing to a start date with any employer.
Highlight Python, SQL, and modeling experience concretely
Hiring managers for data science internships screen for specific technical skills before worrying about visa status. A strong portfolio with documented projects in Python, scikit-learn, or SQL reduces friction. Demonstrable skills make the sponsorship conversation easier because the value is already clear.
Clarify your OPT status proactively but professionally
Bring up OPT authorization after demonstrating interest, not in your opening message. Frame it as: you are authorized to work for any employer on OPT, no sponsorship required for the internship itself. This removes the most common employer hesitation before it becomes an objection.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Data Science Intern on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes. During your 12-month OPT period, you are authorized to work for any employer without them needing to file any visa petition on your behalf. The internship itself requires no sponsorship. Your employer simply verifies your EAD card. STEM OPT extension requires employer participation in E-Verify and a signed I-983 training plan, but still does not require an H-1B petition.
Does a data science internship qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree field. If your degree is in computer science, data science, statistics, mathematics, or a related STEM field listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, a data science role will generally qualify. The role must be directly related to your degree. Your DSO reviews the I-983 training plan your employer submits to confirm the connection meets USCIS requirements.
How do I find Data Science Intern roles that are open to OPT students?
Browse Migrate Mate, which filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT candidates. Many general job boards do not filter by OPT compatibility, which wastes time. On Migrate Mate, listings are curated for international students, so you can focus on employers already familiar with F-1 work authorization rather than educating recruiters from scratch.
What happens to my OPT if my data science internship ends before my EAD expires?
You have an unemployment allowance of 90 days on standard OPT, or 150 days total if you are on STEM OPT extension. Days without employment count against this limit. If you finish one internship and begin searching for your next role, that gap counts. Securing your next position quickly, or converting the internship into a full-time offer, protects your remaining OPT time.
Can a data science internship count toward my STEM OPT training plan?
Yes, internships are valid training opportunities under STEM OPT as long as the employer is E-Verify enrolled and the role directly relates to your STEM degree. The I-983 training plan must document specific learning goals, skills being developed, and how the role connects to your field of study. Your employer and DSO both sign off before work begins.
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