Summer 2026 - AI/ML Intern

Noblis • Reston, VA

3d • $23 - $38

About The Position

Join Noblis, a mission-driven nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing science and technology for the public good. As an AI/ML Research Intern, you’ll help shape the future of trustworthy and interpretable artificial intelligence by developing and analyzing large language model (LLM) applications that integrate real-world data, tool use, and advanced reasoning capabilities.
You’ll work with state-of-the-art computational infrastructure (including H100s and B200s) to explore how LLMs can be extended through frameworks and emerging protocols like Model Context Protocol (MCP) to support retrieval-augmented generation, agentic workflows, and dynamic interaction with external knowledge sources. Your contributions will directly influence how AI systems are designed, deployed, and understood across federal missions.
This is a unique opportunity to:
Prototype intelligent LLM applications that combine general-purpose models with domain-specific data and tools
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of researchers and engineers tackling high-impact challenges
Grow your research skills through hands-on experimentation, mentorship, and exposure to real-world AI problems

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship (Clearance Eligible)
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX)
• Comfortable with modern software development practices (e.g., Git, testing, debugging)
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Data Analytics, MIS, or a related field
• Minimum GPA of 3.3 with expected graduation between December 2026 and May 2028

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with large neural models or LLMs
• Exposure to LangChain or similar frameworks for building LLM applications
• Interest in emerging standards like MCP for tool-augmented reasoning and model interoperability
• Prior experience in a research lab, academic project, or internship related to AI or machine learning
• Contributions to research posters, conference submissions, or technical demos (optional but encouraged)
• Working in a team as well as independent thinker--- seeing the larger outcome ideate around strategy and alternatives
• Motivation to deepen understanding and improve transparency of AI systems through applied research
• Ability to ask questions, take initiative, and thrive in a fast-paced, research-driven environment

Responsibilities

• Prototype tool-augmented LLM workflows using LangChain and investigate emerging standards like MCP for scalable, interoperable AI applications
• Conduct experiments on model behavior, interpretability, and alignment
• Integrate structured and unstructured data sources into LLM pipelines using vector databases and embedding models
• Collaborate with researchers to explore agentic reasoning and model transparency
• Communicate findings through presentations, reports, and internal documentation
• Participate in research discussions, code reviews, and sprint planning to contribute to team goals

Benefits

• At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being.
• Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs.
• Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards.
• Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs.
• Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees