Summer 2026 Research Intern

Peraton•Reston, VA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Peraton is seeking a Summer 2026 Research Intern to support our Federal Civilian Sector Chief Technologist Office. This role can be based in our Herndon, VA or Reston, VA offices, or remote for qualified candidates. You will join our Federal Civilian Sector Chief Technologist Office and support research projects in emerging technology areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, and their applications. You will work alongside senior technologists in a collaborative environment, developing your skills and career while gaining exposure to various projects and problem domains. Your responsibilities will include researching emerging technologies and market trends, synthesizing findings from technical literature and industry sources, and contributing to white papers, briefings, and internal research products that inform Peraton’s technology strategy. You will also have opportunities to present your work to technical and non-technical audiences across the organization. A minimum commitment of 35-40 hours per week is expected. This program is designed for technical college students who are actively enrolled at a four-year university and will be rising into their junior or senior years. However, strong underclassmen with a declared major and completed qualified coursework may be considered.

Requirements

HS Diploma.
U.S. Citizenship.
Actively enrolled at a four-year university, with a declared major in a STEM, or related field.
Strong research skills, including the ability to gather information from credible sources, evaluate it critically, and synthesize findings.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to clearly summarize technical topics in writing.
Foundational proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Foundational proficiency in the use of AI tools (Claude Code, Codex, Gemini, CoPilot) or locally hosted models.
Intellectual curiosity and a demonstrated interest in emerging technology trends.
Ability to quickly learn new concepts and tools.
Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and a responsible team player.

Nice To Haves

3.0 and above GPA.
Coursework or personal interest in computer science, data science, engineering, or a related technical field.
Familiarity with emerging technology areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, or cybersecurity.
Exposure to data analysis using Excel or other tools.
Experience producing research papers, briefings, white papers, or other long-form written deliverables.
Comfort presenting findings to a group and translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
Ability to self-manage day-to-day tasks and communicate collaboratively with leadership and teammates.

Responsibilities

Support research projects spanning emerging technology areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and their applications across customer base.
Work alongside senior technologists in a collaborative, supportive environment, growing skills and career while gaining exposure to a variety of projects and problem domains.
Research emerging technologies and market trends.
Synthesize findings from technical literature and industry sources.
Contribute to white papers, briefings, and internal research products that inform Peraton’s technology strategy.
Present work to technical and non-technical audiences across the organization.