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Research Engineer Internship Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Sr Research Engineer

Reston, VA ยท Hybrid

$135K - $183K/yr

The Sr Engineer - Research Engineering plays a lead technical role in identifying and developing ... Research summer internship program. * Represents Verisign in related external forums to build our ...

Sr Research Engineer

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$135K - $183K/yr

The Sr Engineer - Research Engineering plays a lead technical role in identifying and developing ... Research summer internship program. * Represents Verisign in related external forums to build our ...

You'll create features used by research scientists, aerospace engineers, intelligence analysts, and ... This should be your final internship before graduating. To apply, please submit the following: * An ...

Research Engineering Interns

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Internship Opportunity We are seeking Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Computer ... Research, summarize, and present information to internal - and potentially - external reviewers

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Research Engineer Internship information

What types of projects can I expect to work on during a research engineer internship, and how are they typically structured within the team?

As a Research Engineer Intern, you will often be assigned to projects that support ongoing research and development efforts, such as building prototypes, analyzing datasets, or implementing novel algorithms. These projects are usually collaborative, with interns working alongside experienced engineers and researchers in small teams. You'll likely have a mentor who provides guidance and regular check-ins to track progress. The structure allows you to gain hands-on experience, contribute to real-world problems, and develop both technical and communication skills while learning industry best practices.

What does a research engineer intern do?

A Research Engineer Intern assists in designing, developing, and testing new technologies or products under the supervision of experienced engineers and researchers. Their tasks often include data collection, running experiments, analyzing results, and contributing to technical reports or publications. Interns may also help with coding, simulations, and prototyping, depending on the field. This role provides hands-on experience in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world engineering challenges.

What is the difference between Research Engineer Internship vs Research Engineer?

AspectResearch Engineer InternshipResearch Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in engineering, science, or related fieldBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in engineering, science, or related field
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based, often in academic or corporate R&D labsFull-time, ongoing role in research teams within industry or academia
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by tech companies, research institutions, and universitiesFull-time research roles in tech, aerospace, automotive, and other R&D sectors

The Research Engineer Internship is a temporary, entry-level position designed for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on research experience. In contrast, a Research Engineer is a full-time professional role involving ongoing research responsibilities. Internships often serve as a pathway to full-time research engineering roles, with the main differences being duration, experience level, and scope of responsibilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a research engineer intern?

To thrive as a Research Engineer Intern, you need a strong background in engineering fundamentals, analytical thinking, and a relevant degree-in-progress such as electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering. Familiarity with programming languages (like Python, MATLAB, or C++), simulation tools, and data analysis software is typically essential. Curiosity, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help interns stand out in collaborative research environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to innovative projects, adapting to new challenges, and delivering valuable insights within research teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Research Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Research Engineer Internship jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Research Engineer Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Engineer Internship job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Sr Research Engineer

Verisign

Reston, VA โ€ข Hybrid

$135K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Seeking enthusiastic candidates for a truly exciting opportunity to strengthen and extend the core security substrate at the heart of the Internet. Successful candidates for this position will be in a position to make fundamental and broadly impactful enhancements to the very foundations of Internet security. The Sr Engineer - Research Engineering plays a lead technical role in identifying and developing novel and operationally relevant research concepts related to Internet infrastructure applications and protocols.ย  The applicant is expected to be ready to understand how technology impacts Verisign's business and pursue solutions that will mitigate risk or accelerate opportunities for Verisign's business. This role is responsible for collaborating on integration strategies for technologies across the company and the industry.

Key responsibilities:

  • Works closely with business and technology leaders to identify research and development opportunities based on long-term business strategy and objectives. Provides business and technology leaders with active support enhancing the forward direction and innovative potential of their areas.
  • Develops real world solutions to difficult technology problems through innovative yet programmatic approaches.
  • Develops compelling and easy to understand use cases as well as software and systems prototypes.
  • Serves as a recognized technical expert. Mentors and provides guidance to more junior level engineers.ย  Coordinates and provides leadership in interdepartmental research projects and efforts, for example, organizing and directing the Research summer internship program.
  • Represents Verisign in related external forums to build our reputation as an industry thought leader; publicizes research results in appropriate internal and external forums.

Education and experience requirements:

  • Bachelors and Masters degrees in Computer Science, Engineering or a related technical field are required; PhD is preferred
  • 8-10+ years' experience in research engineering, ideally with a mix of professional and academic experience
  • Experience with systems development research and/or prototype development
  • Experience with network security, including cryptography, privacy, identification, and authentication
  • Experience presenting ideas and prototypes at public forums, such as technical conferences
  • Authorship on one or more peer reviewed publication(s)
  • Experience with open standard Internet protocols and/or services (such as DNS, IP, RDAP, etc.)
  • Experience with large scale data analysis and evaluation of network traffic data
  • Deep hands on technical skills combined with experience working in research teams on fast paced, high impact projects
  • Knowledge of *nix operating systems
  • Strong development background
  • C, C++, Java, and/or Python
  • SQL, NoSQL, or equivalent data storage schema creation and use

This position is based in our Reston, VA office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

We are seeking candidates at the Engineer IV or V level.

  • The pay range for Engineer IV is $135,800 - $183,300.
  • The pay range for Engineer V is $164,300 - $222,300.

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is noted above, however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience. Verisign offers a discretionary bonus which is based on individual and company performance, and certain roles may be eligible for discretionary stock awards.