Job DescriptionIMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS- This internship supports U.S. Department of Defense-funded programs. Applicants who do not meet this requirement cannot be considered for this position.
- Applicants must remain actively enrolled in an undergraduate degree program for the duration of the internship. Individuals who have already graduated prior to the internship start date are not eligible for this position.
Please Note: Authorization to work in the United States (including F-1 OPT/CPT, H-1B, or other employment authorization)
does not satisfy this requirement. Applicants who do not meet these eligibility requirements cannot be considered for this internship.
Organization SummaryThe University of South Florida (USF) Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) provides agile, best-value engineering solutions to enhance the performance, effectiveness of its sponsors, including the Department of Defense; other federal, state, and local agencies; and industry. These engineering solutions include hardware-and-software-based research, advanced technology development, prototypes, and technical services.
The position title for this job application is "Machine Learning Engineer Intern". This internship program will complement CDAO, J8, and its component persistent workforce, enabling them to develop solutions to data-related problems. The Intern will work with the CDAO and J8 Team to develop business analytic methodologies and tools to support Special Operations resourcing decisions.
Time commitment - Hours of operation are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday.
- This position requires 20 hours per week during the Fall/Spring semesters and 29 hours per week during the Summer semester.
- Estimate Start Date: 11-2026 or 01-2027. End-date: 05-2027 (possible extension to 12-2027)
- This internship is in-person (Tampa, FL) with limited remote work opportunities. Located at MacDill AirForce Base
Opportunities - Build resume and explore career options
- Apply skills and knowledge to the workplace
- Upon completion of the internship, a letter of recommendation can be provided upon request
- Opportunity for extension of internship into 2027.
Pay Rate $18.50/hour
Responsibilities- Build and maintain data pipelines within Palantir's Maven Smart Systems (MSS) to ensure mission datasets are properly ingested, validated, structured, and optimized for analytic and machine-learning workflows.
- Design and implement AI/ML workflows inside MSS, including feature engineering, model evaluation, and preparing model outputs for operational use across CDAO and J8.
- Develop MSS-based analytic tools that support SOF resourcing analysis, enabling data-driven tradeoffs, trend identification, and visualization of operational insights.
- Create user-facing applications and interfaces in MSS that allow analysts and decision-makers to interact with models, dashboards, and mission datasets without technical barriers.
- Prototype, test, and document machine-learning models that address SOCOM problem sets, collaborating with engineers to transition prototypes into stable, platform-ready components.
- Integrate ML and analytic components into MSS ontologies and operational workflows, ensuring alignment with SOCOM data structures, access controls, and deployment practices.
- Work directly with mission analysts to refine requirements, translating operational questions into technical tasks and ensuring outputs meet decision-maker needs.
- Support data governance and accountability through documentation, version control, and adherence to SOCOM data-handling standards.
- Participate in sprint reviews, design sessions, and technical exchanges to support rapid development cycles and alignment across CDAO, J8, and platform engineering teams.
QualificationsGeneral Skills: - Current GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree at a local accredited University with a Junior or Senior standing.
- Ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies and tools.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to learn.
- Good communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Security Clearance is not required but preferred.
Specific Skills:- Experience working in groups.
- Must be willing and able to work in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment
- Software Design / Software app experience
- AI/ML Development
- Interest in Artificial Intelligence and personal projects
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at
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About Us
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at ;br>
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract. 
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