AFRL Software Network Controls Integration for Hardware-to-Software Interoperability Internship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Patterson Township (OH); On-site; USD 22,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance Supplement

Relocation Allowance

Training and Travel Allowance

Job summary

ORISE invites you to join AFRL 711HPW at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio for a twelve-month software development internship focused on advancing software network controls and data sharing to improve interoperability between tactical and enterprise systems.

You will work under a mentor, gain hands-on experience with ATAK and C2 applications, and explore server-based and serverless architectures. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with start dates determined at selection.

Qualifications

• The qualified candidate will hold or be currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral Degree in Software Engineering or other eligible discipline with an anticipated graduation on or before June 30, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Support development of software network controls and data sharing to enhance interoperability between systems.
• Assist in integrating data streams with ATAK and next-generation C2 applications.
• Explore server-based and serverless architectures to enable robust App-to-App communication.

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree in Software Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Organization

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Reference Code

AFRL-711HPW-2026-0007

Description

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is offering an internship opportunity at Wright Patterson Air Force Base located in Dayton, Ohio focused on Software Development Cell (SDC).

What will I be doing?

As an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant, you will join a community of scientists and researchers in an effort to advance software network controls and data sharing mechanisms to enhance interoperability between tactical and enterprise systems. A primary focus of the research involves integrating these data streams with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) and next-generation Command and Control (C2) applications. The research project spans various architectural approaches, including both server-based and serverless implementations, to facilitate robust App-to-App communication.

Education

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands‑on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to:

• Exploring methods to package and structure network data for seamless sharing across diverse applications and services
• Utilizing established Software Development Kits (SDKs) and Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
• Investigating protocols and developing frameworks for establishing secure, efficient connections between physical hardware components and software applications

Where will I be located?

Dayton, Ohio

What is the anticipated start date?

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length?

This appointment is a twelve‑month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the provisions?

You will receive a stipend to be determined by AFRL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other provisions may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About AFRL 711HPW

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), headquartered at Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the first human‑centric warfare wing to consolidate human performance research, education, and consultation under a single organization. Established under the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the 711 HPW is comprised of the Airman Systems Directorate (RH) and the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM). For more information about the Air Force Research Laboratory, please visit https://afresearchlab.com/.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will hold or be currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral Degree in Software Engineering or other eligible discipline with an anticipated graduation on or before June 30, 2027. Postgraduates must have earned the degree within 12 months of the appointment start date.

Application Requirements

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• One Recommendation. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

Point of Contact

Leslie

Eligibility Requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctoral Degree received within the last 12 months or anticipated to be received by 6/30/2027 12:00:00 AM.
• Discipline(s):
• Computer, Information, and Data Sciences
• Artificial Intelligence (including Robotics, Computer Vision, Human Language Processing, and Machine Learning)
• Computer Architecture and Grids
• Computer Science - Languages and Systems
• Computer Science - Theoretical Foundations
• Computer Science (general)
• Computer Systems Analysis
• Computer Systems Design (including Signal Processing)
• Data Science
• Databases, Information Retrieval, and Web Search
• Graphics and Visualization
• Human Computer Interaction
• Information Science and Technology
• Information Security and Assurance
• Networks and Communications
• Operating Systems and Middleware
• Scientific Computing and Informatics
• Software Engineering