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 Summary The University of South Florida (USF) Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) provides agile, best-value engineering solutions to enhance the performance and effectiveness of its sponsors, including the Department of Defense; other federal, state, and local agencies; and industry. These engineering solutions include hardware- and softwarebased research, advanced technology development, prototypes, and technical services. This internship program is administered by the USF Institute of Applied Engineering through the NEXUS Partnership Program in collaboration with Booz Allen Hamilton. The internship is designed to cultivate a mission-ready workforce by integrating highperforming STEM students into operational and technical project teams supporting Department of Defense mission requirements. Interns will work alongside Booz Allen Hamilton professionals to develop technical solutions, conduct analyses, and contribute to mission-focused initiatives supporting Special Operations customers.
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 ;br>
Time Commitment Hours of operation are generally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Spring/Fall semester: Max of 20 hours per week.
Summer semester: Max of 29 hours per week.
Spring 2027 internship period anticipated to align with the academic semester.
Primarily in-person internship located in the Tampa, Florida area with limited remote-work opportunities based on project requirements.
Possible Work Locations Booz Allen Hamilton Tampa Office (3600 Midtown Dr, Suite 1150, Tampa, FL 33607)
U.S. Special Operations Command (MacDill AFB)
U.S. Special Operations Command Central (MacDill AFB)
SOFWERX (1925 E 2nd Ave, Suite 102, Tampa, FL 33605)
USF Secure Facilities
USF Institute of Applied Engineering Facilities
Remote (project dependent)
OpportunitiesApply classroom knowledge to real-world Department of Defense mission challenges.
Gain experience working alongside Booz Allen Hamilton technical and operational professionals.
Build technical, analytical, and professional communication skills.
Expand professional networks within government, industry, and academia.
Receive mentorship from experienced engineering and program professionals.
Potential opportunity for extended internship participation based on program needs and performance.
Potential transition to future full-time employment opportunities.
Internship credit may be available through the student's academic program.
Letter of recommendation available upon request following successful completion of the internship.
Pay Rate$25.00hr
Responsibilities- Develop and integrate IT solutions.
- Facilitate collaboration, development, integration, and testing support.
- Design and build product deliverables according to specifications, escalate technical design issues to task managers, and work within a given time frame to complete coding.
- Design and develop software systems and applications. Responsible for delivery of software that meets all requirements of quality, security, modifiability, and extensibility.
- Communicate and document all concepts and guidelines to development teams.
- Research, design, develop, or modify enterprise-wide systems or applications software.
- Participate in planning system and development deployment and maintain responsibility for meeting software compliance standards.
- Evaluate the interface between hardware and software, operational requirements, and characteristics of the overall system.
- Document testing and maintenance of system corrections.
- Develop solutions to routine technical problems of limited scope.
- Contribute to the completion of routine technical tasks.
QualificationsSecurity Requirements- U.S. Citizenship and eligible for a Secret Security Clearance.
General Qualifications - Pursuing a bachelor's degree at an accredited university.
- Junior or Senior standing preferred.
- Current GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Eligibility for a Secret Security Clearance preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to learn new technologies and tools quickly.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team environment.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Self-motivated and eager to learn in a dynamic environment.
Preferred Academic Majors- Information Science
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
- Computer Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Systems Engineering
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Related STEM disciplines
Technical SkillsExperience or coursework in one or more of the following is preferred:
- Python
- SQL
- React
- Java Script/TypeScript
- Modern front-end tooling (Webpack, Vite, etc.)
- GitLab
- CI/CD Pipelines
- Automated Testing
- Agile development processes and tools (e.g., Jira)
- Backend development experience (e.g., Python, Node.js)
- Containerization (e.g., Docker)
- Data analytics and visualization tools
- Software application development
- Cloud technologies
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning concepts
- Automation and scripting
- Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Power Platform solutions
- Software design and testing methodologies
About UsWorking at USFWith 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 NoticesThis 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 OpportunityThe 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.
