Research & Development Co-Op (WashU), Spring 2027 - St. Louis, MO, US

Our Purpose
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.
Title and Summary
Research & Development Co-Op (WashU), Spring 2027 - St. Louis, MO, US
What team will I join?
Mastercard Foundry is a global innovation group exploring emerging technologies and consumer trends that shape the future of payments and commerce. Within Foundry, the global Research and Development team applies advanced research to build scalable products for Mastercard.
Foundry R&D brings together experts across engineering, science, design, data, research, and program management, with focus areas including quantum computing, extended reality, privacy-enhancing technologies, generative AI, and machine learning. The team develops future-focused concepts that inspire customers and strengthen innovation across Mastercard.
We are seeking talented software engineers and data scientists to help build advanced technologies transforming payments. This co-op offers hands-on experience developing business skills while contributing to Mastercard's goals and innovation priorities.
Location: Mastercard St. Louis Tech Hub located in O'Fallon, MO. Must be able to be in office 3+ days a week
Duration: January 2027 to May 2027, 40 hours per week
Hourly Rate: $34/hr
What will I do?
As a Research & Development Co-op, you will:
- Be a member of a high-performing team of software engineers, architects, data scientists, and product innovators who are shaping the future of payments and commerce.
- Design, develop, test, and deploy high-quality software solutions using modern engineering practices, tools, and technologies.
- Contribute proof-of-concepts, prototypes, and next-generation products focused on emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, data platforms, and other innovation initiatives within R&D.
- Participate in all phases of the software development lifecycle, from ideation and technical design through development, testing, deployment, and operational support.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Product, Experience Design, and Research to solve complex business and technology challenges.
- Apply software engineering best practices, including code reviews, automated testing, CI/CD, security, and performance optimization.
- Explore and evaluate new technologies, frameworks, and tools to help drive innovation and accelerate product development.
- Gain hands-on experience building scalable, resilient applications while working alongside experienced engineers and technical leaders in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
- Present technical findings, demos, and project outcomes to engineering and business stakeholders.
- Develop practical experience in research, experimentation, and product incubation while contributing to real-world solutions used across Mastercard.
What skills and experiences are we looking for?
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree or accelerated master's program at WashU (Washington University in St. Louis) majoring in engineering, data science, or a related field with a graduation date between December 2027 and June 2028.
- Exposure to algorithms, data structures, AI/Agentic AI, and core computer science concepts
- Exposure automated tests to verify code correctness and expected behavior.
- Knowledge of source control management (e.g., git), deployment, and task management tools.
- Strong analytical and excellent problem-solving skills and familiarity with the role of debugging tools and information which diagnose issues such as stack traces, memory profiling, code tracing, etc.
- This role is not eligible for Mastercard's work authorization sponsorship. As such, candidates must be eligible to work in the United States, now as well as in the future, without employer sponsorship. For example, students or recent graduates in the United States on an F1 visa (including those with CPT or OPT authorization) are not eligible for this role.
Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.
Corporate Security Responsibility
All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard's security policies and practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard's guidelines.

In line with Mastercard's total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include: insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance); flexible spending account and health savings account; paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave); 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire; 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays; 401k with a best-in-class company match; deferred compensation for eligible roles; fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities; eligibility for tuition reimbursement; and many more. Mastercard benefits for interns generally include: 56 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time; jury duty leave; and on-site fitness facilities in some locations.