2027 Summer Intern, AI Engineer (Reston, VA)

Location: Reston, VA

2027 Summer Intern, AI Engineer

About Our Team — HPHS Technology Office

ICF's Health, People, & Human Services (HPHS) operating group delivers solutions that improve health outcomes, strengthen public systems, and support communities, from global health surveys and environmental science to child welfare, public safety, and federal regulatory modernization.  The HPHS Technology Office provides advisory support and innovation services across the operating group. We partner with our domain experts to identify where technology can accelerate mission delivery, unlock new capabilities, and help our teams deliver improved outcomes for clients. From rapid proofs of concept that validate an idea in days to production-ready platforms, we work hands-on alongside delivery teams to solve real-world challenges.

Who Are We Looking For?

We are seeking a motivated intern with a foundation in programming and a passion for solving real problems using modern AI-enabled technology. The ideal candidate is eager to collaborate, comfortable learning quickly, and interested in applying GenAI tools (e.g., LLMs and prompt techniques) alongside core software and data engineering practices.

This is a full-time, 10-week internship beginning early June 2027. The position is hybrid from Reston, VA (2x per week). At this time, we are unable to provide relocation or housing assistance for this internship. Pay is expected to be $27/hour.

Key Responsibilities

As a 2027 Summer Intern, AI Engineering for the HPHS Technology Office, you will:

Support rapid prototype development using AI tools and AI frameworks

Hands-on experience building lightweight front ends and back ends that allow stakeholders to interact with our prototypes

Navigate responsible LLM usage, prompt design, and practical grounding patterns (such as grounding responses in authoritative client data)

Collaborate with senior engineers and technology partners to integrate, test, and demonstrate capabilities in real workflows

A key objective of this internship is to create a win-win engagement where you obtain a fresh perspective, new ways of thinking, and emerging AI skills to solve real challenges. The goal is to deliver work with measurable impact, and the intern may have the opportunity to present learning or deliverables to leadership before the internship concludes.

Minimum Qualifications

A minimum of 30 completed college credit hours toward a bachelor's degree in computer science or a relevant discipline

Due to contract requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated interest, knowledge or early experience in using AI coding assistants (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, ChatGPT) for software development tasks

Familiarity with at least one programming language (such as Python, JavaScript/TypeScript, or Java)

Familiarity with GenAI/LLM tooling — prompt frameworks, vector databases, modern LLM APIs (Anthropic, OpenAI), or Model Context Protocol (MCP)

Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git)

Exposure to cloud platforms (such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an interest in data and systems thinking

Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

Enthusiasm for learning new technologies and applying them to real-world challenges

Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.  Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected] for assistance.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, re