Machine Learning Internship Summer 2027

Job title: Machine Learning Internship Summer 2027

About CoVar

CoVar is a small, mission-driven AI/ML R&D software company based in Durham, NC and McLean, VA. We build advanced software and machine learning systems that help the DoW detect threats in high-stakes environments and enable biomedical researchers to accelerate discoveries that save lives. Our team is composed of curious, passionate engineers who care deeply about using AI to solve real-world problems that matter.

Internship Overview

• 8-12 weeks – flexible, depending on your schedule
• In-person in Durham, NC
• Competitively paid internship
• Matched with one project based on your current expertise and interests
• Paired with an advisor or project lead who will guide you and help you set and meet your goals
• Concludes with you presenting your work either internally to CoVar or externally to the customer

Interview Timeline

• Accepting applications online from now to mid-November 2026
• Interviews starting in September 2026
• Interview steps consist of a video screening and a code screening
• Offers out by end of November 2026

About the position

You will help CoVar develop software and machine learning algorithms to solve real-world customer problems. You will work with data, develop algorithms, evaluate results, and write the production code that goes onto real-world systems. You may have the opportunity to present your work to high-level customers in the DoW and in the industry.

Qualifications

• Applicants should have expertise in Python (including NumPy, pandas, and other packages) and PyTorch. Deep understanding of machine learning fundamentals (gradient descent, cross-validation, ROC curves, confusion matrices) are necessary. Knowledge of classical machine learning (e.g., support-vector-machines, logistic regression) are valued. Applicants are ideally familiar with some computer vision algorithms (e.g., for object classification (ResNet, ResNext), object detection (e.g., YOLO, CenterNet), or image segmentation) and/or other modern image processing AI/ML techniques (vision image transformers, vision language models, etc.). Previous experience with DoW customers is a plus.

• Minimum qualifications

• Software expertise: Python and associated numerical and analytics packages (NumPy, pandas, etc.); git; PyTorch.

• AI/ML expertise: Machine learning fundamentals; Deep knowledge of state-of-the-art in any of the following: computer vision (preferred), natural language processing, classical machine learning, Bayesian models, etc.

• Pursuing B.S., preferably M.S. or Ph.D in engineering, math, computer science, or related field

• Excellent technical communication skills

• Ability to work in Durham, NC (relocation assistance available)

• Work authorization: US citizen

• Bonus skills

• Department of War project experience

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wages
• Flexible work schedule
• Hybrid policy (in office at least 3x per week)