Intern

About the Project

The DSS Air Traffic Control Modernization Initiative is a multi‑university research project focused on designing AI‑assisted decision‑support tools for Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs). Our team works closely with industry experts—including airline pilots, safety investigators, and ATC professionals—to understand the complexities of airspace, aviation safety, and high‑reliability operations.

We are seeking motivated students who are passionate about aviation, AI, safety systems, or human‑systems integration to help analyze real ATC scenarios, identify user needs, and evaluate early prototypes.

This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the future of safe AI adoption in aviation.

Role: AI‑Enabled ATC Research Intern

As an intern, you will help our team explore how AI can support human operators in dynamic, high‑stakes air traffic environments. You do not need to be a certified controller — but you should have interest or coursework in aviation, aerospace, human factors, data science, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on airspace structures (A–G), IFR/VFR rules, and ATC operating procedures
• Analyze real‑world ATC scenarios including terminal operations, sequencing, runway changes, and flow constraints
• Review and label aviation/ATC data to support AI model training and validation
• Participate in meetings with other interns from other educational backgrounds. 
• Assist in building problem definitions for AI/ML systems (e.g., conflict detection, traffic interpretation)
• Document operational edge cases (weather impacts, VFR intrusions, equipment limitations, radio gaps)
• Support prototype evaluations and provide structured feedback
• Contribute to a final report summarizing insights and design recommendations.
• Understand Blue Sky, Blue Sky Gym, and/or Open Scope

Preferred Majors

Students studying in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Aviation / Aeronautical Science
• Aerospace Engineering
• Computer Science / AI / Data Science
• Human Factors / Human‑Computer Interaction
• Air Traffic Management
• Safety Science / Systems Engineering
• Applied Mathematics or related STEM fields

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong interest in aviation safety, ATC environments, and knowledge of AI‑driven systems
• Understand aviation rules and procedures (FAR/AIM)
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment

Bonus Qualifications 

• Experience with simulations or flight‑training tools
• Familiarity with FAA procedures, ATC phraseology, or aviation coursework
• Awareness of AI/ML fundamentals (no coding required)
• Experience in research methods, technical writing, or system design

What You’ll Gain

• Direct exposure to aviation operations and ATC workflow challenges
• Hands‑on involvement in the earliest stages of an aviation‑AI innovation
• Skills in human‑in‑the‑loop AI, safety‑critical design, and applied research

Equal Opportunity Statement

We value diversity, curiosity, and interdisciplinary thinking. Students from all backgrounds—including first‑generation, community college, military, and non‑traditional students—are encouraged to apply/

Remote work requirements

Remote employees must be based within the US.

Time requirements: Part-Time

20 hours per week