Intern, Research - Applied AI & Software Development

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation•Arlington, VA

About The Position

VT-ARC is seeking a paid, mentored intern in the Decision Science Division (DSD), focused on applied AI and software development. The position emphasizes Python programming, software integration, and practical AI applications, with opportunities to support modeling, simulation, mission engineering, and analytical wargaming. The intern will work alongside researchers and engineers to implement and test software components, prepare data, and help turn research concepts into working demonstrations using approved unclassified information. Projects may involve AI-enabled analytical tools, simulation utilities, interactive applications, and integration of data from software or physical systems. Senior researchers will guide research questions, methods, and interpretation, while the intern completes defined technical tasks with regular review and increasing responsibility as skills develop. Coursework, laboratory experience, independent projects, and prior internships are relevant preparation; prior defense employment, an existing security clearance, and advanced AI research experience are not prerequisites. The internship is a contingency hire based on a contract award expected to begin execution on or about November 1, 2026. The primary work location is Arlington, Virginia / National Capital Region, with a combination of onsite and U.S.-based remote work potentially required. Hours will be coordinated around the academic schedule and agreed in advance; additional hours during academic breaks may be available depending on project needs and funding. Appointment duration and any limited, preapproved travel will be established before work begins. VT-ARC will provide or fund approved research tools and compute resources. The internship is intended to support continued development across academic terms and build qualifications for a future full-time role at VT-ARC following graduation. The intern and an assigned technical mentor will establish learning objectives and an achievable work plan, supported by regular feedback and code review. Development will emphasize Python proficiency, reliable software development, practical AI evaluation, and an introduction to systems and mission engineering. Continued internship employment and any subsequent full-time appointment depend on performance, demonstrated qualifications, available funding, organizational needs, and applicable hiring and access requirements; conversion is not guaranteed. An active security clearance is not required at hire. Work will use approved unclassified information and authorized systems and remain subject to applicable data-handling, privacy, export-control, and program-access requirements. Candidates must meet employment authorization and applicable background-screening requirements. Future clearance sponsorship may be considered based on program needs and candidate eligibility, but sponsorship, clearance, and processing timelines are not guaranteed. Compensation is $25 per hour for 30–40 hours per week. The hourly rate, weekly hours, appointment duration, benefits eligibility, and overtime treatment will be specified in the offer; availability of hours is subject to available work and funding.

Requirements

Current enrollment in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related technical field.
Basic working knowledge of Python demonstrated through coursework, laboratory work, independent projects, internships, or employment.
Understanding of programming fundamentals, including functions, basic data structures, and modular or object-oriented design.
Ability to build, test, debug, and explain a functioning software component or technical prototype.
Interest in applied AI, modeling and simulation, or decision-support applications, with willingness to learn new tools and national security mission contexts.
Ability to follow technical direction, document work clearly, collaborate with others, and respond constructively to review.
Must meet employment authorization and applicable background-screening requirements.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to AI or machine learning, large language models, agent-based modeling, or AI-assisted software development.
Experience with data preparation, APIs, visualization, or interactive application development; familiarity with languages such as Java, MATLAB, Swift, or MicroPython.
Experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, sensors, robotics, controls, or hardware and software integration.
Familiarity with Git or similar version control, automated testing, databases, or approved cloud environments such as AWS.
Participation in a research laboratory, engineering project team, technical internship, or independent project involving iterative development and demonstration of working results.

Responsibilities

Develop, test, debug, and document Python scripts, reusable software components, and small applications against agreed task requirements.
Prepare and check data, connect software components through approved APIs or file formats, and help automate routine analytical workflows.
Help integrate and evaluate approved AI tools, large language models, and agentic workflows under technical guidance.
Create test cases, record outputs, and flag incorrect, inconsistent, or unsupported results.
Implement assigned simulation components, scenario inputs, execution scripts, and data collection features for modeling and analytical wargaming activities.
Build or improve user interfaces, visualizations, and demonstration tools that help researchers and stakeholders inspect models, data, and results.
Run planned tests and experiments, compare results with expected cases or baselines, investigate software problems, and document observations for research team review.
Where relevant to assigned projects, help connect sensor or embedded-system data to analytical software and troubleshoot integration problems.
Maintain version-controlled code, tests, setup instructions, and technical notes.
Participate in code reviews and verify code produced with approved AI coding assistants, with mentor support.
Manage assigned tasks and milestones, communicate progress and obstacles early, and support technical demonstrations and project discussions under supervision.