Cognitive Science Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Charles River Analytics, a GRVTY company, creates solutions and technology to tackle the world's most challenging problems. Our team of technological entrepreneurs works together to push to the forefront of enhanced AI, robotics, smart sensing, and human-centered computing. The resulting research and development help to continuously advance government programs and discover new possibilities in the commercial marketplace. At Charles River, we take great pride in our success at attracting and retaining the most talented and creative problem-solvers in our field. Now, as part of GRVTY, we offer the same trusted capabilities with increased organizational depth and expanded capacity across mission-critical national security domains. Are you ready to accelerate our mission-focused innovations? We'd love to hear from you!

The Software QA Tester Intern will primarily support verification, validation, and quality assurance activities for the COA Generation Application and related UXID software products. The intern will execute manual test procedures, document defects, and contribute to test plan development under the direct mentorship of a Senior Scientist in Cognitive Systems Engineering. Secondary responsibilities include junior-level contributions across UXID activities-such as supporting user research, usability evaluations, design documentation, and human-systems integration tasks-offering broad exposure to applied CSE in a defense R&D environment.

Our interns/Co-ops work on real projects and cutting-edge technology. We believe strongly in promoting from within, which is demonstrated by the fact that we not only have hired former interns, but that several of our senior-level staff began their careers at Charles River as interns! This is an ideal opportunity for a student who wants to develop technical QA skills while gaining hands-on experience in human factors and cognitive systems engineering on mission-relevant software.

What you'll do:

• Execute manual test cases against application features, user workflows, and UI components built in React/TypeScript
• Author, refine, and maintain test cases, test scripts, and regression test suites
• Identify, reproduce, document, and triage defects using standard defect tracking tools (e.g., Jira, GitLab)
• Validate bug fixes and perform regression testing across builds
• Participate in test planning, sprint ceremonies, and code review discussions as appropriate
• Contribute to test coverage metrics and quality reporting
• Support exploratory testing of novel interaction paradigms (e.g., human-AI teaming, mixed-initiative interfaces)
• Where appropriate, contribute to or learn automated testing using tools such as Jest, React Testing Library, Cypress, or Playwright
• Support usability studies and user research sessions (note-taking, participant logistics, data coding)
• Assist with cognitive task analyses, heuristic evaluations, and design walkthroughs
• Contribute to UI/UX design documentation, wireframe reviews, and design system maintenance
• Support preparation of demonstrations, technical briefings, and customer engagements
• Other junior-level technical tasking as assigned by UXID leadership

What you will need:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Human Factors, Cognitive Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Psychology, or a related discipline
• Familiarity with software development concepts and the software development lifecycle (SDLC)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail
• Ability to document defects and test results clearly and reproducibly
• Available for a full-time, 6-month commitment beginning Fall 2026, working hybrid (3 days/week onsite)

We prefer to see: 

• Coursework or project experience in software testing, QA methodologies, or test automation
• Exposure to or interest in human factors, cognitive systems engineering, HCI, or user-centered design
• Programming/development experience, particularly with React and TypeScript (highly valued)
• Willingness and aptitude to learn automated testing frameworks (e.g., Jest, React Testing Library, Cypress, Playwright)
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies
• Experience with defect tracking tools (Jira, GitLab, Bugzilla) and version control (Git)
• Interest in defense, intelligence, or national security applications

What you'll gain: 

• Hands-on experience in mission-relevant software QA for defense applications
• Direct mentorship from a Senior Scientist in Cognitive Systems Engineering
• Exposure to cutting-edge work in human-AI teaming, decision support, and operational decision-making
• Cross-functional collaboration with software engineers, human factors practitioners, UX designers, and researchers
• Portfolio-building experience applicable to careers in QA engineering, human factors, UX research, or cognitive systems engineering

Salary Range

$20 - $30 per hour  

The above projected salary range is an estimate based on the internal job level(s) for which this role is being considered. The final salary will be decided after careful evaluation of the individual's work experience, education, and overall qualifications. This range does not include the substantial total rewards, as listed below, that you will also be eligible for as an employee at Charles River Analytics.

Benefits & Perks:
Charles River Analytics offers an attractive benefits package & intern activities that include, but are not limited to the following:

• Casual work environment
• Free snacks and beverages
• Eligible for medical plan enrollment or opt-out incentive
• Paid sick/excused time
• Free onsite parking and easily accessible by public transportation (the MBTA)
• Intern challenge problems
• Seminars
• Company-wide outings