Research Intern (UAS Modeling & Simulation)

Role based in Washington, DC / Arlington, VA area. 

PRIMARY PURPOSE

CNA's Center for Enterprise Systems Modernization is hiring for Research Interns to be part of their team. This is a part time paid internship for a duration of approx. 6 months starting early 2025. This will be a hybrid internship requiring onsite presence and/or client site visits. The application period closes on November 30, 2024.

This is a unique opportunity for someone to gain valuable experience and to be part of a study team to contribute research for novel modeling and simulation techniques to safely integrate uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS, or drones) into the future aviation environment, during the internship period.

Ideal candidates are pursuing an advanced degree and are interested in analysis that supports innovative approaches to solve complex problems for the federal government.

CNA fosters an inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our flexible and engaging work environment encourages iterative and creative collaboration at every stage of the problem-solving process. Our employees are committed to helping clients develop effective solutions to better manage their programs through scientific, data-driven approaches. We are looking for creative and innovative individuals to help carry out our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND / OR DUTIES 

1. Assist in the process of defining and structuring analytical problems.

2. Develop sound analytical techniques.

3. Carry out analyses to logical conclusions.

4. Communicate results both in writing and orally. 

5. Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Must have a bachelor’s degree in the physical sciences, computer science, engineering, operations research, mathematics, statistics, or related STEM discipline. Enrollment in a graduate program preferred.

2. Experience: Undergraduate research experience, including conducting literature searches, analyses, and writing reports is required. Graduate-level coursework and experience preferred.

3. Skills: 

• Must have experience with database manipulation and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Good interpersonal and oral and written communication skills
• Critical thinking and organizational skills
• Strong programming experience (preferably python) required
• Knowledge in one or more of the following relevant domains preferred
  • APIs and cloud environments
  • Developing agent-based models and simulations
  •  Computational research projects / methods

4. Other: Must be a US citizen and be eligible to maintain and obtain a security clearance

5. Hybrid Work Eligibility: This position is eligible for telecommuting or hybrid work at the discretion of the Supervisor.  Employees may be required to work at CNA headquarters or other work locations resulting in changes to the scheduled telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements. Role based in Washington, DC / Arlington, VA area. 

***Application Process***
Applicants should submit the following by November 30, 2024:

• Cover letter
• Resume (please include GPA)
• Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
• An optional personal statement 

The cover letter should describe the candidate’s interest in the internship as well as their leadership, problem solving, creativity, and collaboration skills.

The optional personal statement should include the candidate’s goals, interests, influences, and how the candidate will be a valuable asset to CNA. Please click here for personal statement guidelines. Personal statements will not be used as an elimination criteria for this position. They will only be used to enhance a candidate’s application.

All job applicants must have US citizenship. 

CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service and protected veterans, or other non-merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the law posters here: "EEO is the Law" Poster", "EEO Poster Supplement". The pay transparency policy is available here: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster. To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions requiring access to classified information, U.S. citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.