Computer Science Intern

Summary

This position is part of DFASs Pathways Program for current students/individuals accepted for enrollment in a qualifying educational program in an accredited institution full or half-time basis. This is a PAID summer internship running May - August. Applicants who indicate they meet the minimum qualifications will receive an email from to complete online assessments. Check your Spam/Junk folders. See below for more information!

Duties

• As a Computer Science Intern you will do some or all of the following:
• Conducts artificial intelligence (AI) problem framing solutions design and conceptualization product prototyping in support of AI product development deployment and integration.
• Correlates data recognizes discrepancies in results and participates in an experiment study or research project.
• Assists senior staff members in the collection and analysis of data.
• Perform a variety of assignments involving the practical application of information technology (IT) (APPSW) basic concepts principles procedures processes and regulations.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S Citizen
• This national security position which may require access to classified information requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
• Registered for Selective Service (males born after)
• Suitable for Federal employment
• Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time or half-time student.
• Must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must maintain student eligibility for the duration of internship.
• New employees to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities visit .

Qualifications

This announcement will be used to fill positions at multiple locations. The following are preferred degree categories:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Software Engineering
• Software Development
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Informatics
• Information Assurance
• Information Science
• Information Security Management
• Information Systems Management
• Information Technology

NOTE: The degree does not have to be related to the position/series; however to be eligible candidate must meet the agency-developed or OPM qualification standards for the position to which the Intern may be converted.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education and do not submit a transcript your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found not qualified.

You may need to send proof of education or of certification to be considered for this position. Click here for more information on who must submit documentation at the time of application and what documentation is acceptable: Transcripts and Certifications.

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition to meeting the above requirement applicants must meet one of the following minimum qualifications:

A. Two years of successfully completed education (by the end of the Spring 2027 term) above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is a prerequisite may be substituted to meet the general experience required. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements.

• NOTE: If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience. If you claim qualifications based on education and do not submit a transcript your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found not qualified.

OR
B. One year of generalized experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is required. General experience is defined as: progressively responsible clerical office or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional philanthropic religious spiritual community student social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including volunteer experience.

PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CONVERSION ELIGIBILITY: Upon successful completion of their academic program and the internship program interns may be converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service consistent with agency needs academic achievement and demonstrated potential. Conversion potential for this opportunity is up to the GS-12 full performance level. However future budgetary events hiring restrictions conversion caps or other events may preclude the conversion or conversion to a position with the full potential performance level. Individuals converted to a position in the competitive service may be subjected to participation in an agency formal development program.

Education

Requirements:

• Enrolled or formally accepted for enrollment as a full-time or half-time (Half-time basis is defined by the academic institution that the student is enrolled or accepted into) student into an accredited college or university in a qualifying degree-seeking program or enrolled or formally accepted for enrollment in a qualifying certificate program;
• Students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) at time of application and must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA throughout the entire Pathways Student Trainee Internship appointment to remain in the Program;
• Applicants MUST submit a transcript or proof of enrollment with the online application ( see Required Documents for additional details ).
• Please note that if you are graduating from your current academic program prior to September 2027 you will not be eligible for this student appointment unless you are accepted for enrollment at a qualifying educational institution seeking an ADDITIONAL qualifying degree diploma certificate etc. OR an advanced degree. You MUST submit proof of acceptance along with your current transcripts for consideration.
• If selected must sign a Pathways Participant Agreement; be able to furnish course registration information at the start of each school term; and be able to provide verification of academic status (official transcript) at the end of each academic term.

Undergraduate Credit Information: 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is equal to 1 academic year above high school.
For study at a business or technical school 36 weeks of study (20 classroom hours per week) is comparable to 1 academic year above high school.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence at the time of application. Late submissions of proof of accreditation will not be accepted. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials.

Additional information

• Selections are subject to restrictions resulting from the DoD Program for Stability of Civilian Employment.
• Telework availability is limited and will only be provided on a rare case-by-case basis during situations where Agency Leadership has determined that telework serves a compelling DoD need.
• This internship opportunity will not start until May 2027.
• The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable. For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) for which some appointees are eligible click here.
• Individuals selected from this vacancy announcement will work a full-time work schedule for at least eight weeks and up to 16 weeks between the months of May through August. Upon completion of the summer internship period individuals will be placed on leave without pay (LWOP) until completion of their academic program or until they are returned to duty for another period of internship. Based upon organizational need availability of funding student availability and the students academic schedule individuals may be returned to duty for short durations during breaks in school (i.e. Fall Winter or Spring Break) or part-time employment throughout the Fall and Spring semesters so long as their work schedule does not interfere with their academic requirements and schedule and they meet reporting requirements.
• We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
• This position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• This position is not covered by a bargaining unit.
• Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance.
• Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date. If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues the employment offer may be withdrawn. Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination. For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.

PROGRAM COMPLETION AND CONVERSION ELIGIBILITY: Upon successful completion of their academic program and the internship program interns may be converted to a term or permanent position in the competitive service consistent with agency needs academic achievement and demonstrated potential. Conversion potential is up to the GS-12 full performance level. However future budgetary events hiring restrictions or other events may preclude the conversion. Individuals converted may be subject to participation in an additional year of training as part of an agency formal development program.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Required Experience:

Intern