About this role
Curious students who want to apply advanced machine learning to high-stakes national security and biomedical challenges will find a rewarding home at CoVar. The engineering group builds sophisticated software and AI systems designed to detect critical threats and accelerate life-saving medical discoveries. Interns collaborate directly on developing algorithms, evaluating performance, and writing production code that deploys onto real-world hardware.
Running for 8 to 12 weeks during the summer of 2027, this in-person program in Durham, North Carolina matches participants with a single project tailored to their background. An assigned project lead guides the intern through goal setting and execution, culminating in a formal presentation delivered internally or to external customers. Ideal candidates possess a strong foundation in Python and PyTorch alongside an eagerness to tackle complex, ambiguous real-world data problems.
What you will do
- Develop software solutions and machine learning algorithms to address actual customer challenges.
- Handle data processing, algorithm creation, and result evaluation across various technical projects.
- Write production-ready code intended for deployment on real-world operational systems.
- Present completed project outcomes directly to internal team members or high-level external customers.
- Collaborate closely with an assigned advisor or project lead to establish and meet performance goals.
What you need
- Demonstrate expertise in Python along with analytics packages like NumPy and pandas.
- Possess hands-on experience using PyTorch for model development.
- Show a deep understanding of core machine learning fundamentals including gradient descent and cross-validation.
- Currently pursue a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, or Ph.D. in engineering, mathematics, computer science, or a related technical field.
- Exhibit excellent technical communication skills for presenting complex work.
- Maintain the ability to work on-site in Durham, North Carolina.
Nice to have
- Familiarity with classical machine learning methods such as support vector machines and logistic regression
- Knowledge of computer vision algorithms including ResNet, YOLO, and CenterNet
- Experience with modern image processing techniques like vision transformers and vision language models
- Prior project exposure involving Department of War customers
Benefits
- Competitive hourly wages
- Flexible work schedule
- Hybrid policy with at least three days per week in the office
- Relocation assistance available
Skills and tech stack
Questions candidates ask
What is the work location and remote policy for this internship?
This is an in-person internship based in Durham, North Carolina, operating under a hybrid policy that requires being in the office at least three times per week with relocation assistance available.
How is compensation handled for the summer role?
The internship provides competitive hourly wages over an 8 to 12 week duration depending on your schedule.
What core technical skills and stack are required?
Applicants must have expertise in Python, NumPy, pandas, git, and PyTorch, alongside a solid understanding of machine learning fundamentals.
What does the interview and hiring timeline look like?
Applications are accepted online from now through mid-November 2026, with interviews starting in September 2026 consisting of a video screening and a code screening, and final offers extended by the end of November 2026.