Research Engineering Internship - AI, Computer Vision, & Visualization

About Outward, Inc.

 

Outward, Inc. is based in San Jose, CA and is a wholly owned technology subsidiary of Williams Sonoma, Inc.

 

At Outward Inc., our vision is to 'lower the friction' in every aspect of the customer shopping journey for our Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brands. We achieve this by leveraging cutting-edge technology to create innovative and intuitive experiences, with top-notch product visualizations. We are at the forefront of product visualization, integrating 3D, AR/VR, and web technologies to redefine the shopping experience.

 

In addition, we are pioneering the use of generative AI to transform e-commerce. By harnessing the power of AI, we aim to revolutionize how products are presented and interacted with, enhancing consumer engagement and driving the future of online shopping. Our mission is to deepen consumer connections with the products that matter and deliver best-in-class experiences.

 

Summary:

We’re looking for talented research interns for our engineering team focusing on delivering new visual experiences.  The team works on problems in imaging, computer vision, graphics, and machine learning. Some areas of interest are:

 

• Deep Neural Networks for Vision: Apply advanced techniques in DNNs for tasks such as segmentation and detection to solve complex vision problems.

• Generative Algorithms: Work with generative models, including Stable Diffusion, to enhance visual content creation and realism.

• AI Integration and Automation: Support the integration of AI into production processes, streamline workflows, and transition tasks to AI-driven automation.

• Quality Control and Product Enhancement: Contribute to developing AI solutions that improve quality control and enhance product visuals.

• Synthetic Content Creation: Generation of realistic photo quality content via the image content pipelines

 

We are looking for the following:

 

• You are currently enrolled in a graduate program in CS, EE, Applied Math or similar field

• 1-2+ years of working experience as an engineer in a software development position 

• You are on track to graduate with your Ph.D. or MSc degree between Fall/Winter 2025 or Spring/Summer 2026

• You have a minimum GPA of 3.5

• You have experience with scientific libraries such as NumPy, scikit-learn, image manipulation libraries like OpenCV, Blender API, Machine learning frameworks like Tensorflow, PyTorch, Image GenAI models

• You have skills in design and implementation of algorithms 

• You have strong software engineering skills in Python or C++

• You have strong communication skills

• You must be able to work onsite in our San Jose location

   

Desired Skills (Nice-to-have):

• Skills in processing and cleaning data.

• Experience with maintaining PostgreSQL databases and image content

• Building UI using Python or React framework ecosystems

• Experience working with Blender API

• Understanding of Image and Unstructured data

• Working experience on cloud infrastructure

Internship duration (start & end date):

• This is a three to six month internship starting in fall 2025, with the opportunity to work 20-40 hours a week.

• Paid internship. Non-Exempt. Hourly

Our Culture & Values 

We believe that taking care of our people is vital to our success and we strive to offer equitable and transparent practices for all. We prioritize connection, growth, and wellbeing. 

 

People First 

Putting People First means investing in overall well-being and opportunities to grow and advance within the organization. Depending on the position and location, here are a few highlights of what benefits may be available:

 

Benefits

• A generous discount on all WSI brands

• A 401(k) plan and other investment opportunities

• Paid vacations, holidays, and time off to volunteer

• Health benefits, dental and vision insurance, including same-sex domestic partner benefits

• Tax-free commuter benefits

• A wellness program that supports your physical, financial and emotional health

 

Continued Learning

• In-person and online learning opportunities through WSI University

• Cross-brand and cross-function career opportunities 

• Resources for self-development

• Advisor (Mentor) program

• Career development workshops, learning programs, and speaker series               

 

 

WSI will not now or in the future commence an immigration case or "sponsor" an individual for this position (for example, H-1B or other employment-based immigration).

 

This role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

 

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, or other applicable state or local laws and ordinances.

 

The expected pay range for this position is $50-$60/hourly. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. In addition to competitive pay, compensation may include a variety of other components like benefits, paid time off, merit, and bonus opportunities.

 

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Our Company

Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the premier specialty retailer of high-quality products for the kitchen and home in the United States. Our family of brands are Williams Sonoma, Williams Sonoma Home, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, Rejuvenation, West Elm, Mark & Graham, Outward, and GreenRow. These brands are among the best known and most respected in the industry. We offer beautifully-designed, stylish and functional products for every area of the home, including the kitchen, living room, bedroom, home office, closet, laundry room and even outdoor spaces. We've seen some big changes since our first brick-and-mortar store opened more than half of a century ago. What hasn't changed is our passion for high-quality products, functional design, outstanding customer service, and enhancing the lives of our customers and the communities where we operate. Today, we're a multi-brand, multi-channel, global enterprise supported by state-of-the-art technology and some of the most talented teams in retailing - and we're always looking for new energy and ideas.