Training Solutions Drone Intern

Company Overview

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Position Overview

Cole Engineering Services (CESI) is seeking a motivated and talented intern to support the development of military training solutions within our live training vertical, with a primary focus on drone force-on-force and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (cUAS) capabilities. This position provides hands-on exposure to embedded single-board computer development and computer vision model training while contributing directly to devices used by Soldiers in live training. The intern will support build-up, instrumentation, and test of drone and cUAS training systems.

This is an onsite position and may require some travel.

Responsibilities

• Flash, configure, and bench-test single-board computers (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi class) used in drone force-on-force and counter-UAS (cUAS) training devices
• Write and maintain software for device provisioning, sensor initialization, data logging, and automated bench checks
• Integrate and verify RGB and thermal camera modules, orientation/IMU sensors, and radio links against documented interface requirements
• Capture power draw, thermal, and runtime measurements supporting endurance and duty-cycle analysis for field training events
• Maintain configuration baselines and version control so device images and builds are reproducible

• Organize, version, and stage RGB and thermal imagery datasets of small UAS and FPV targets for training, validation, and regression testing
• Execute supervised training and evaluation runs under engineering direction, logging hyperparameters, run configurations, and results
• Score model performance against held-out data (precision/recall, detection range, false alarm rate) and summarize findings for the project lead
• Convert and optimize trained models for edge deployment (e.g., ONNX, TensorRT) and measure on-device inference latency
• Support re-baselining of detection models when airframes, backgrounds, or sensor configurations change

• Set up, instrument, and tear down controlled lanes for drone force-on-force and cUAS training events
• Perform ground support tasks including battery management, airframe inventory and pre-flight checks, and ground control station setup under the supervision of the designated remote pilot
• Verify time synchronization, telemetry capture, and engagement/adjudication data across networked devices before each run
• Perform first-level data reduction after test events and flag anomalies for engineering review
• Follow all range, airspace, lithium battery handling, and standard operating procedures during test and flight events

• Shadow engineering, program management, and subject matter experts to build context on live training requirements and the Soldier end user
• Attend team meetings, design reviews, and capability demonstrations (non-operational, non-ME tasked)
• Document work in engineering notes and issue trackers, and brief status and results to the project lead

Required Experience/Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program (any relevant field)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written technical procedures precisely
• Comfortable working in a structured, team-oriented professional environment

Preferred Experience/Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with single-board computers (NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi, or similar), Linux, and Python
• Background in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, robotics, or data science
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) or computer vision libraries and detection models (OpenCV, YOLO class)

Special Requirements/Security Clearance

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status with ability to obtain a SECRET security clearance.  Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The above is intended to describe the general contents of and requirements for the performance of this job.

Benefits Overview

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise.  Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

CESI is committed to principles of inclusion and equal employment opportunity.  We foster a non-discriminatory, professional work environment for all our teams.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

Physical Demands

• Office, laboratory, and controlled outdoor flight/range environments; no hazardous emissions or exposure
• Test events are safe, scripted, and supervised by trained personnel
• Standard business hours with occasional schedule flexibility for test events
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided as required for test participation