1

Machine Learning Research Intern Jobs in Washington

Machine Learning Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$130K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Machine Learning Engineer (3-5+ years of experience) to help design, build ... You will collaborate closely with researchers, software engineers, red teamers, and subject-matter ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Machine Learning Research Intern information

See Washington salary details

$8

$25

$64

How much do machine learning research intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine learning research intern in Washington is $25.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $29.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Machine Learning Research Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Learning Research Intern, you need a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, programming (especially Python), and an understanding of machine learning algorithms, typically supported by ongoing or completed studies in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with technical tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and experience with data analysis libraries are commonly required. Curiosity, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help interns stand out by enabling them to collaborate, share insights, and adapt to new research challenges. These skills ensure interns can contribute meaningfully to research projects, quickly learn new techniques, and effectively communicate their findings.

What are some typical challenges faced by Machine Learning Research Interns during their projects?

Machine Learning Research Interns often encounter challenges such as dealing with limited or messy datasets, tuning complex model architectures, and balancing innovative research with practical implementation. Additionally, they may need to quickly familiarize themselves with unfamiliar frameworks or tools and effectively communicate technical findings to both technical and non-technical team members. Successfully navigating these challenges can provide valuable learning experiences and help interns build strong problem-solving skills for future roles.

What does a Machine Learning Research Intern do?

A Machine Learning Research Intern assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of machine learning models and algorithms under the supervision of experienced researchers. They often preprocess data, run experiments, analyze results, and contribute to research papers or technical reports. Interns also stay up to date with the latest advancements in machine learning, participate in team meetings, and sometimes help in coding or optimizing existing models. This role provides hands-on experience in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world problems and prepares interns for careers in AI research or development.
What are popular job titles related to Machine Learning Research Intern jobs in Washington? For Machine Learning Research Intern jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Research Scientist - RF Machine Learning

Research Scientist - RF Machine Learning

Peraton

College Park, MD • On-site

$135K - $216K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 210 rated it services


Job description

Responsibilities
Peraton Labs is seeking a poly cleared Senior Research Scientist to support cleared research and development efforts for a Maryland-based IC customer. This role will focus on leading the design, development, prototyping, and evaluation of RF Machine Learning algorithms and signal processing techniques for advanced wireless, spectrum, cyber, and communications research.
You'll work on mission-focused R&D efforts that move from research concepts to working prototypes and operationally relevant capabilities. You will collaborate with researchers, software engineers, signal processing experts, and customer stakeholders to solve complex problems involving RF sensing, signal characterization, waveform analysis, spectrum awareness, and machine learning-enabled wireless systems.
This position requires full-time on-site work at a customer site near College Park, MD.
Key responsibilities may include
  • Lead the design, development, prototyping, and evaluation of RF/ML algorithms for wireless, spectrum, and communications applications
  • Research and implement machine learning approaches for RF signal detection, classification, characterization, anomaly detection, emitter identification, spectrum sensing, or waveform analysis
  • Develop and evaluate algorithms using modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, scikit-learn, JAX, or similar tools
  • Apply strong digital signal processing and RF domain knowledge to develop, train, test, and validate models against real-world or simulated RF data
  • Design data collection, labeling, preprocessing, feature extraction, training, evaluation, and experimentation workflows for RFML research
  • Develop software prototypes using Python, C/C++, MATLAB, GNU Radio, or similar tools
  • Analyze RF signals, wireless protocol behavior, modulation characteristics, channel effects, interference, noise, and system performance
  • Work with RF datasets, signal captures, IQ data, SDR platforms, and lab or field-collected spectrum data
  • Support integration of RFML capabilities into larger research prototypes, testbeds, cyber experimentation platforms, or operationally relevant systems
  • Communicate research findings, technical approaches, experiment results, and prototype capabilities through customer briefings, technical reports, whitepapers, and publications
  • Provide technical leadership, mentor junior researchers or engineers, and help shape future RFML research direction

*This position may be eligible for an increased sign-on bonus. Eligibility, bonus amount, and applicable terms and conditions will be discussed during the recruiting process*
#MDFSP
#PLABS26
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Minimum of 6+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, 4+ years of experience with a Master's degree, or 2+ years of experience with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline. In lieu of a Bachelors, an additional 4 years of experience is required for a total of 10+ years.
  • Strong background in Radio frequency Machine Learning, digital signal processing, wireless communications, or RF systems research
  • Experience designing, developing, training, testing, or evaluating machine learning models for RF, wireless, spectrum, signal processing, or communications applications
  • Experience with modern machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, scikit-learn, or similar tools
  • Strong Experience programming in Python and at least one additional language such as C/C++, Java, or similar
  • Experience working with RF data, signal captures, IQ samples, simulated waveforms, or real-world wireless datasets
  • Experience working in Linux-based dev environments
  • Ability to develop, test, troubleshoot, document, and demonstrate research prototypes
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts and research results to technical stakeholders
  • US Citizenship is a requirement for this position
  • This position requires an active/current TS/SCI w/ Polygraph

Desired Additional Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related technical field is preferred
  • Demonstrated history of research in Machine Learning and RF spectrum domains, including publications, prototypes, proposals, patents, technical reports, or customer-facing research briefings
  • Experience with RFML applications such as signal classification, modulation recognition, emitter identification, spectrum sensing, anomaly detection, interference detection, protocol inference, or RF fingerprinting
  • Experience with SDR platforms such as Ettus USRP, HackRF, BladeRF, LimeSDR, or similar hardware
  • Familiarity with SDR software and RF development tools such as GNU Radio, UHD/USRP, MATLAB, Simulink or similar tools
  • Experience with wireless systems or protocols such as LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, SATCOM, MANET, tactical radio systems, mesh networks, or custom waveform environments
  • Experience with RF test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, vector signal analyzers, channel emulators, or RF front-end equipment
  • Experience with deep learning approaches for signal processing, including CNNs, RNNs, transformers, autoencoders, contrastive learning, self-supervised learning, or generative models
  • Experience with data engineering for RFML, including dataset generation, augmentation, labeling, synthetic data, simulation, model evaluation, and experiment tracking
  • Experience with tools such as NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, cuSignal, CUDA, MLflow, Weights & Biases, DVC, or similar tools
  • Experience integration ML models into deployable prototypes, edge systems, containers, testbeds, or cyber/radio experimentation environments
  • Experience with RF cyber research, wireless security, electronic warfare, spectrum operations, protocol reverse engineering, or adversarial ML
  • Ability to serve as a technical lead, task lead, or principal investigator on DoD/IC research efforts

Peraton Overview
Peraton is a next-generation national security company that drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world's leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted, highly differentiated solutions and technologies to protect our nation and allies. Peraton operates at the critical nexus between traditional and nontraditional threats across all domains: land, sea, space, air, and cyberspace. The company serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies and supports every branch of the U.S. armed forces. Each day, our employees do the can't be done by solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers. Visit peraton.com to learn how we're keeping people around the world safe and secure.
Target Salary Range
$135,000 - $216,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
EEO
EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.

What Peraton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Peraton logo

About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017