AI Engineer Intern

As an AI Engineer Intern, you will join our innovative AI research and development team to work on cutting-edge, impactful real-world AI challenges.  You will collaborate with experienced AI researchers, machine learning engineers, data engineers, and data scientists to design, develop, and implement advanced machine learning models, including large language models to deliver scalable and transformative AI-driven solutions. This internship offers the chance to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world, high-impact AI projects and receive hands-on technical mentorship and career development support from industry-leading experts.

This is an entry-level, 10-week, full-time graduate-level internship expected to begin in June and end in August 2027. Work will be hybrid (minimum 2x per week) from our Reston, VA office. Pay is expected to be $32 per hour. At this time, we are unable to provide housing nor relocation assistance for this position.    

What you will do: 

• Contribute to the AI lifecycle:  

• Support the end-to end AI product development process, encompassing data acquisition, preprocessing, model design, training, optimization, deployment, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure scalable and robust solutions.  

• Assist in all phases of the machine learning lifecycle, including data collection, preprocessing, model development, optimization, deployment, and evaluation. 

• Develop machine learning models:  

• Design, develop, and train advanced machine learning models, including deep learning and large-scale models, to address complex challenges in domains like natural language processing (NLP) and Generative AI.  

• Build and train machine learning models, including deep learning models, to solve complex challenges in areas such as natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, or generative AI. 

• Analyze large datasets:  

• Conduct exploratory data analysis and advanced feature engineering on large-scale, semi-structured datasets to uncover actionable insights and enhance model accuracy and efficiency.  

• Perform data analysis and feature engineering on massive, semi-structured datasets to extract meaningful insights and improve model performance. 

• Engineer robust software:  

• Develop high-quality, production-ready code in languages such as Python, Java, C++, R, JavaScript, along with a good understanding of common AI development frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, and Scikit-learn while actively participating in system design discussions, code reviews, and testing to ensure robust and maintainable software.  

• Write clean, production-level code in languages like Python and C++, and participate in design sessions and code reviews to ensure software quality. 

• Research emerging technologies:  

• Research and prototype cutting-edge AI and machine learning methodologies, including advancements in areas like explainable AI, federated learning, or multimodal models, while keeping abreast of the latest research and industry trends.  

• Help research and prototype new AI and machine learning techniques, staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field. 

• Collaborate across teams:  

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including product or project managers, data engineers and scientists, and software engineers to refine project requirements, align on objectives, and deliver innovative, high-impact AI-driven solutions.  

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers and other engineers, to define project requirements and deliver high-quality technology products. 

Basic Qualifications 

• A minimum of 9 credit hours of completed graduate-level courses in Computer Science, Machine Learning, AI Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field.

• A completed bachelor's degree in computer science, Machine Learning, AI Engineering, Data Science, or a related technical field. 

• Candidate must be a US citizen, reside in the U.S., be authorized to work in the U.S., and all work must be performed in the U.S. per contract requirements

Preferred Qualifications 

• A strong foundation in core computer science concepts, including object-oriented design, data structures, algorithms, and complexity analysis. 

• Proficiency in at least one general-purpose programming language, with a strong preference for Python. 

• Experience with machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or Scikit-learn. 

• Demonstrated experience with large-scale datasets and data preprocessing. 

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills. 

• Experience with version control systems like Git is a plus. 

Perks of working with us 

• Mentorship: You will be paired with a dedicated mentor to support your growth and development throughout the internship. 

• Hands-on experience: Gain valuable, practical experience working on impactful, real-world AI projects. 

• Learning opportunities: Access training resources and workshops to enhance your technical and professional skills. 

• Networking: Build valuable connections with a community of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship

All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for new H-1B visa sponsorship by ICF. Candidates who currently hold valid work authorization may be considered for a change of employer petition, subject to company policy and applicable immigration requirements.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.  

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. 

Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.  Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected] for assistance.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.  

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.  

Pay Range

There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$45,805.00 - $77,869.00Reston, VA (VA30)