Data Scientist Intern – GenAI & ML Research (Summer 2026)

Overview
LMI is seeking a Data Science Intern with a strong background in machine learning and research to explore the practical applications of generative AI. In this role, you will help design decision frameworks for large language models (LLMs), agents, and code-based approaches, tailored to specific use cases. You will also contribute to mechanistic interpretability research, ensuring that LLM outputs are genuinely grounded in the right source material.
This role is critical in developing ground rules for when to apply LLMs, agents, or code, assessing their strengths and limitations, and enhancing the reliability and trustworthiness of AI systems. The ideal candidate combines rigorous analytical thinking with creativity, technical curiosity, and sound judgment to address complex challenges.
LMI is a new breed of digital solutions provider dedicated to accelerating government impact with innovation and speed. Investing in technology and prototypes ahead of need, LMI brings commercial-grade platforms and mission-ready AI to federal agencies at commercial speed.
Leveraging our mission-ready technology and solutions, proven expertise in federal deployment, and strategic relationships, we enhance outcomes for the government, efficiently and effectively. With a focus on agility and collaboration, LMI serves the defense, space, healthcare, and energy sectors—helping agencies navigate complexity and outpace change. Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, LMI is committed to delivering impactful results that strengthen missions and drive lasting value.
Responsibilities

• Develop a decision framework and ground rules for leveraging LLMs, agents, and code, including an assessment of their respective strengths, limitations, and risks.
• Perform mechanistic interpretability research to ensure that LLM outputs are genuinely grounded in reliable source material.
• Translate complex analyses into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders, enabling effective decision-making.
• Work independently to explore and prototype novel approaches, while maintaining high standards of methodological rigor and skepticism.
• Stay up-to-date on cutting-edge technologies, frameworks, and best practices in generative AI and mechanistic interpretability to ensure solutions remain innovative.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify customer needs and recommend value-added solutions.
• Hone skills in consulting, project management, and cross-functional collaboration to support impactful project delivery.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or similar.
• Foundational experience or coursework in machine learning and data science.
• Strong critical thinking skills to evaluate models, assumptions, and data rigorously.
• Ability to work independently or on teams, balancing curiosity with methodical analysis.
• Effective communication skills, enabling the presentation of complex findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desired Attributes

• Familiarity with commonly used machine learning frameworks (e.g., pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib).
• Experience with rapid prototyping, experimentation, and iterating on models.
• A creative yet practical mindset, willing to challenge assumptions while aligning with organizational goals.
• Knowledge of cloud computing platforms, such as AWS.

Other Information

• Interns will need to provide their own transportation to and from work and locate and arrange for their own housing.
• All intern positions at LMI are paid positions.

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for a U.S. Government security clearance. Only US Citizens are eligible for a security clearance. For this position, LMI will only consider applicants with security clearances or applicants who are eligible for security clearances, due to the nature of the work.