AI Security Intern - Summer 2026 - McLean, VA

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The Trustworthy & Secure AI (TSAI) Department supports our sponsors' missions by delivering capabilities for securing and increasing trust in AI-enabled systems, including data driven AI risk awareness and mitigation, AI red teaming, and trusted tools and techniques for applying AI in high consequence environments. The TSAI Department works across government, industry, and academia to provide, assess, and shape trustworthy and secure AI systems to address complex mission needs for our sponsors. Our work provides opportunities to address real-world challenges in the rapidly developing field of AI assurance, and to research and prototype new methods to address mission needs.

Job Description

As a software or computer science intern, you will collaborate with a team of experts to apply your academic knowledge and gain hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Work in cross-functional teams to develop and implement AI/ML solutions, including capabilities that leverage LLM technology
• Analyze AI use cases and recommend secure and trustworthy solutions to sponsors
• Evaluate technology solutions in the context of mission data and workflow needs, and provide actionable recommendations
• Prototype AI and/or LLM-based tools to meet operational needs

Basic Qualifications

• Must be a full-time student pursuing an accredited degree program in Computer Science, Software Engineering or related disciplines.
• Must continue to be enrolled the semester following the internship.
• Proficient in Python
• Familiar with PyTorch
• Prior coursework using PyTorch for AI/ML applications
• Interest in AI Security and Assurance
• Must have sustained excellence in academic performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior internship experience in AI/ML
• Prior experience working with LLMs or AI Security
• Proficient in PyTorch
• Demonstrated interest in serving the public through previous work experience, volunteer activities, or other relevant engagements.

Clearance: In addition to passing MITRE’s employment background check, you may be submitted for a U.S. Government Security clearance. This is determined by the Department of Defense’s adjudicative guidelines for receiving a clearance, to include U.S. citizenship. Other jobs may require vetting for various levels of agency public trust, fitness, suitability, controlled access, and special programs access determination consistent with the work program to which you are assigned.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

None

Work Location Type:

Hybrid

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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