2026 Internship - Artificial Intelligence and Complex Systems

Do you love to use artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis to process, analyze, and interpret data?

Are you interested in advanced modeling using AI and mathematics towards understanding and exploring complex systems such as earth systems, materials sciences, biology, or additive manufacturing?

If you are pursuing a degree in an AI-related field and interested in working at the intersection of complex systems, we'd love to meet you!

We are seeking creative problem solvers with varied capabilities and interests, as well as demonstrated initiative, to join our team in taking on technical challenges in complex systems. The Complex Systems Group, within the Intelligent Systems Center (www.jhuapl.edu/isc), develops novel AI and mathematics methods to tackle complex systems challenges, addressing complex behavior, multi-scale properties, interdependency, and more. These challenges require creative solutions to marry physical knowledge of the world with large-scale data-driven models, accelerate scientific experimentation and discovery, or otherwise predict complex behavior.

As an intern on our research team, you will contribute to projects in a variety of ways, such as designing, training, and developing machine learning (ML) algorithms, collecting and processing data, evaluating models, and programming. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and fostering a culture of innovation, and as part of our group you will have the chance to grow both within AI and data science, as well as in the complex systems we study.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Are enrolled in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral STEM program (e.g., AI, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Physics).
• Have a passion for learning and a willingness to pick up and apply new skills.
• Have the ability to work and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0/4.0.
• Are proficient in Python programming.
• Have experience in one or more of our core skills: AI/ML algorithms, data science, deep learning, graph theory, software development, or statistical analysis.
• Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, as required to access APL's facilities and networks, subject to applicable laws.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have background knowledge in earth systems, materials, biology, or other complex systems.
• Have experience applying AI/ML to real-world data such as satellite imagery, remote sensing data, materials data, omics data, or additive manufacturing related data.
• Have proficiency in developing AI/ML software.
• Have experience with AI/ML and data science libraries such as PyTorch and the Hugging Face stack.
• Are familiar with advanced AI methods like generative adversarial networks, physics-informed neural networks, surrogate models, graph neural networks, and foundation models.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.