EMG STEM Summer Internship

Akima is searching for eager STEM Interns to join our team for the Summer! The Akima Emerging Markets Group.  

During Akima Emerging Markets Group (EMG)’s Summer STEM Internship, you will take part in a hands-on, immersive experience designed to simulate real-world product development. This internship goes beyond traditional training programs—interns will work as an Agile development team, solving real business and technical challenges through innovation, collaboration, and rapid learning. You will develop new technical skills, learn how to work in a high-performing engineering team, and deliver a tangible product that addresses a real-world need.

Why This Internship?

As an EMG STEM Intern, you will be embedded in a live project designed to solve a real-world problem. Unlike other internships, this is a deliverables-based program where success is measured by results, not participation. Local travel may be required.

The Akima EMG STEM Internship is an elite, high-pressure, execution-driven program designed to produce industry-ready leaders, not just engineers. Unlike traditional corporate internships, this program immerses interns in multi-role rotations, real-world Agile execution, cybersecurity-conscious development, and professional training. Interns own a project from start to finish, learning on the fly, solving problems independently, and delivering under tight deadlines with direct, real-time feedback—a challenge that mimics the demands of top-tier tech, defense, and high-growth startup environments. This internship isn’t just about learning; it’s about performing at a near-professional level in one of the most intense and rewarding STEM experiences available anywhere.

Internship dates:  May 28 - Aug 1st 2025

• Real-World Problem Solving – Work on a team-driven project that directly addresses an industry need.
• Role Rotation & Agile Execution – Operate in multiple roles, learning firsthand how Agile teams execute under deadlines.
• Security & Risk Mindset – Understand the fundamentals of secure development and apply cybersecurity principles in real-world scenarios.
• Fast Learning & Adaptability – Expect real-time feedback, quick pivots, and a work environment that rewards execution over perfection.
• Team-Based Development – Engage in intense collaboration, balancing individual accountability with collective team success.
• Executive-Level Exposure – Present findings, demos, and results to company leadership, technical experts, and industry veterans.
• Innovation & Critical Thinking – Learn how to move from problem to solution rapidly, thinking like an engineer while considering business and security implications.

• Currently enrolled undergraduate student (rising sophomore to rising senior) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or a related STEM field.
• Proficiency in at least one object-oriented programming language (e.g., Java, Python, C++, C#) and the ability to learn and apply new programming languages on the fly.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to debug, optimize, and troubleshoot complex issues independently.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to execute under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.
• Ability to receive and apply real-time feedback, iterate quickly, and operate in an execution-driven, results-oriented setting.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills—interns must work effectively in a team environment, document technical work, and present ideas concisely.
• US Citizenship required (due to security considerations for government-related work).
• Must be able to pass a background check as required for access to certain project environments.
• Must be within commuting distance to Herndon, VA (this is an on-site program).

Work Where it Matters

Akima is not just another global enterprise and federal contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At Akima, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, Akima provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, Akima delivers agile solutions in the core areas of facilities, maintenance, and repair; information technology; logistics; protective services; systems engineering; mission support; furniture, fixtures & equipment (FF&E); and construction.

As an Akima employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.