Machine Learning Internship Summer Durham, NC

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
• 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 tomid-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 customer s in the Do W and in the industry.

Qualifications

Applicants should have e xpertise in P ython (including Num Py , pandas , and other packages) and P y T orch . 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 ( Res Net , Res Next ) , object detection (e.g., YOLO, Center Net ) , or image segmentatio n ) and /or other modern image processing AI/ML techniques (vision image transformers, vision language models, etc.)

. Previous experience with Do W customers is a plus.

• Software expertise:
  Python and associated numerical and analytics packages ( Num Py , pandas , etc.) ; git ;
  PyTorch .
• AI/ML expertise:
  Machine learning fundamentals ; D eep 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)
• Department of War project experience
• Competitive hourly wages
• Hybrid policy (in office at least 3x per week)

Eligibility for a US security clearance is required for this role, and that requires US citizenship.

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