Cognitive Science Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. 

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

We are seeking a motivated intern to support the development of military training solutions. This position provides hands-on exposure while contributing directly to computer vision training pipelines through systematic image annotation. The intern will serve as a test subject in controlled, safe training scenarios.

• Image Annotation for Computer Vision Training (Primary Duty):
  • Annotate images and video frames using designated labeling tools to support computer vision model development.
  • Apply bounding boxes, segmentation masks, keypoints, and classification tags per project specifications.
  • Maintain annotation accuracy and consistency in accordance with quality control standards.
  • Participate in adjudication reviews to reconcile annotation discrepancies.
  • Track annotation throughput and report progress to the project lead.

• Test Target Participation:
  • Serve as a human test target in controlled training scenarios (safe, zero emissions, non-hazardous environments).
  • Support data collection activities including motion capture, imaging, and sensor exercises.
  • Follow all safety protocols and standard operating procedures during test events.
  • Provide structured feedback on participant experience to improve training realism.

• Professional Environment Exposure:
  • Observe and participate in professional Military Environment workflows and briefings as a learning opportunity.
  • Shadow subject matter experts to build contextual understanding of training solution requirements.
  • Attend relevant team meetings, reviews, and demonstrations (non-operational, non-ME tasked).

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program (any relevant field).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive precision tasks accurately.
• Comfortable working in a structured, team-oriented professional environment.

• Prior experience with image annotation platforms (e.g., CVAT, Labelbox, Scale AI, Roboflow).
• Background in computer science, data science, cognitive science, or related discipline.
• Familiarity with machine learning concepts or computer vision applications.

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise.  Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

CESI is committed to principles of inclusion and equal employment opportunity.  We foster a non-discriminatory, professional work environment for all our teams.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

• Office and controlled field environments; no hazardous emissions or exposure.
• Test events are safe, scripted, and supervised by trained personnel.
• Standard business hours with occasional schedule flexibility for test events.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided as required for test participation.