Technical Intern (AI)

iCatalyst Inc; McLean (VA); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

iCatalyst, Inc. seeks a Technical (AI) Intern to join our team in McLean, VA on a hybrid basis. The role focuses on AI/ML, NLP, and software development for federal agency and corporate projects, with hands-on experience across Power Apps/Automate, Azure AI, and Python backend work.

You will prototype AI solutions, build LLM-based tools, and contribute to data preparation, dashboards via Power BI, and secure coding practices in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a bachelor’s or master's program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or related STEM field.
• Experience with AI/ML, NLP, or software development projects.
• Foundational Python programming and basic API usage.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms and prompt engineering is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support design, development, and testing of AI-powered apps and AI governance workflows.
• Prototype AI solutions and experiment with prompts and workflows for internal and client use cases.
• Build and test LLM-based chatbots, copilots, and RAG workflows.
• Contribute to Python backend tasks, including scripts and lightweight APIs.
• Assist data preparation, ingestion, and evaluation for AI apps.
• Create Power BI dashboards to track AI governance and model usage.
• Collaborate with engineering, product, and business teams while learning best practices.
• Produce technical docs, demos, and progress summaries.
• Follow secure coding and responsible AI practices.

Skills

Python

AI/ML basics

Cloud platforms

Version control

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's or Master's student in CS/Engineering/Data Science

Tools

Power Apps/Automate

Azure AI

Job description

Job ID: 2026_09_TI

Role/Title: Technical (AI) Intern
Priority: High – Immediate Intern Hire

Hybrid Opportunity - Must be local to the DC/VA/ND area and available to work at the McLean office for a minimum of 3 days a week.

About iCatalyst

iCatalyst, Inc. is a next-generation technology company specializing in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

Since 2007, we have partnered with federal and commercial clients to deliver innovative, mission-driven solutions that enhance operational efficiency, digital transformation, and business outcomes.

Our solutions are built on a foundation of agility, security, and scalability, guided by our CMMI ML 3 Services and Software Development framework and backed by globally recognized certifications in ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (Information Security).

Core Capabilities

We specialize in AI-Driven Digital Transformation, Cloud and Infrastructure Modernization, Data Engineering and Advanced Analytics, Enterprise IT Modernization and Mission-Focused Program and Change Management.

Why Join iCatalyst?

At iCatalyst, our people are at the center of everything we do.

• Award-winning culture of innovation and a friendly workplace
• Work on cutting-edge AI and digital transformation projects
• Be part of a mission‑driven team
• Grow your career in a stable, certified, high‑performing organization
• Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, competitive pay

Role Overview

We are seeking a Technical (AI) Intern to join our growing team in support of our Federal Agency and and corporate projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to impactful, mission‑critical initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design, development, and testing of AI-powered applications and automated AI governance workflows using AI services, using enterprise tools such as Power Apps/Automate, Azure AI, under the guidance of senior team members
• Assist with prototyping AI solutions and experimenting with model behaviors, prompts, and workflows for internal and client‑facing use cases
• Help build and test LLM‑based solutions such as chatbots, copilots, retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) workflows, and AI‑enabled automations
• Contribute to backend development tasks using Python, including scripts, lightweight APIs, and integrations that support AI features
• Assist with data preparation, ingestion, and evaluation activities to improve the performance and usability of AI applications
• Assist in creating dashboards and reporting in Power BI to track AI governance activities, model usage, process performance, and key risk/compliance indicators
• Participate in testing, debugging, and documenting AI features to support reliable deployment and knowledge sharing
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teammates including engineering, product, and business stakeholders while learning software development best practices
• Contribute to technical documentation, demos, and presentations summarizing project progress, findings, and recommendations
• Follow secure coding and responsible AI practices appropriate for enterprise and federal environments
• Provide support and expertise in assigned domain
• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver solutions
• Ensure adherence to security, compliance, and quality standards
• Support continuous improvement and innovation initiatives
• Special projects as needed

Required Skills

• Current enrollment in a bachelor’s or master’s program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or a related STEM field
• Coursework, academic projects, or personal projects demonstrating interest in AI/ML, generative AI, natural language processing, or software development
• Foundational programming skills in Python and familiarity with software development concepts such as APIs, debugging, version control, and testing
• Exposure to AI/ML tools, libraries, or platforms
• Interest in building LLM‑based applications such as chatbots, copilots, search experiences, or workflow automations
• Basic understanding of cloud platforms, data handling, and prompt engineering concepts is preferred
• Strong problem‑solving ability, curiosity, and willingness to learn quickly in a fast‑paced technical environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and deliver high‑quality work in fast‑paced environments
• Good communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with mentors and cross‑functional teams
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and priorities
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Experience & Qualifications

• Must be a current college or university student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a relevant technical field
• Academic, research, hackathon, or personal project experience in software engineering, AI/ML, data science, or generative AI is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated interest in applying AI to real‑world business, enterprise, or public sector use cases
• Experience with cloud platforms, web applications, or data/AI tooling through coursework or projects is a plus
• Proven ability to work in fast‑paced, client‑focused environments
• Experience supporting federal programs preferred

Preferred Certifications:

• Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals or similar entry‑level AI/cloud certification
• Relevant student credentials, bootcamps, or online coursework in AI/ML, cloud, or software development
• Participation in university labs, technical clubs, hackathons, or open‑source projects is a plus

Education

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master's degree in computer science, Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related STEM field from an accredited university
• Recently graduated preferred

Work Location and Schedule

• McLean, VA (Hybrid)
• Monday – Friday 8AM – 5:30PM EST
• Work schedules and arrangements may be adjusted based on client and program needs

Employment Type

• 1099 Internship with possible future FT Employment opportunity

Customer / Contract

• Federal Agency and corporate projects

Compensation

• The likely Hourly rate for this position is $20.00.

Salary range reflects our commitment to pay equity and transparency. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, certifications, labor qualifications, geographic location and contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Clearance Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident required
• Ability to successfully pass a background check
• Employment is subject to verification of eligibility to work in the United States

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete a background verification process that may leverage artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

Travel

• Minimal or no travel anticipated

Additional Information

• iCatalyst, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics
• Candidates will be required to adhere to client-specific compliance requirements and sign NDAs
• iCatalyst reserves the right to modify job responsibilities, duties, or requirements as business needs evolve