INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Scientific Computing Intern

CompanyArete Associates
LocationLos Angeles
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 2, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will analyze data, evaluate algorithm performance, and prototype new algorithms for signal and image processing applications. They will collaborate with software engineers to implement these algorithms into robust, high-performance software solutions.
Internship Type
intern
Salary Range
$30 - $32
Company Size
470
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Areté, an employee-owned company, is an advanced science and engineering company that provides innovative solutions to the most challenging technical problems faced by the United States Defense and Intelligence agencies. Areté is derived from the Greek word “ἀρέτη”, meaning the pursuit of excellence and the achievement of maximum performance. Areté was founded in 1976 by five scientists, tasked by the DoD to help solve the challenge of detecting weak signals in heavy clutter over very wide areas. The signatures involved in this work were so weak that any advancement in signal processing algorithms demanded a new approach and understanding of the underlying fundamentals affecting the sensors and signal phenomena in the environments of interest. This first-principles-of-physics approach has been a hallmark of Areté’s development programs for the past 40 years Areté now works across the electromagnetic spectrum. We develop sensors and the associated signal processing algorithms necessary for the extraction and interpretation of data for systems operating under water, in the atmosphere, and in space. With our emphasis on enhanced signal processing and real-time executable software, Areté is able to improve the performance of existing sensor systems at fractions of the cost and time to operations of replacement systems. We work directly with customers and partners seeking maximum performance. Building on our expertise in detection theory we will continue to exploit the contextual, spatial, spectral, and temporal characteristics of data, incorporating them into our signal processing algorithms. These robust algorithms will continue to enable Areté to rapidly deliver innovative solutions to the ever evolving challenges of our customers.
About the Role

At Areté, we are on the forefront of developing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth. 

Discover your future with us. 

We are seeking a mid-level Scientific Computing Intern with a strong background in Math, Physics, and Scientific Computing. The successful candidate will join a staff of signal/image processing scientists and software engineers that support the development of signal and image processing algorithms and software. In this position you will analyze data, evaluate existing algorithm performance, develop and prototype new algorithms or enhancements to existing algorithms and work with software engineers to implement the algorithms into robust and highly performant software. 

The successful candidate may ultimately be utilized in one or more of the following areas: ocean remote sensing, signal/image processing, state estimation, detection and tracking, computer vision, machine learning, physics-based modeling, data analysis, and sensor characterization. 

This role requires a passion for solving challenging technical problems in a collaborative environment. 

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Generous PTO and Leave Times

  • Flextime Scheduling
  • Bereavement 
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental Leave

Financial Benefits

  • 401K Retirement Plan Contribution
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Continuing Education Funds 

Health, Medical, and Wellness Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
  • Vision Reimbursement 

Qualities We Look For

  • Creativity
  • Integrity
  • Passion
  • Responsiveness
  • Collaboration

Experiences and Background We Look For (required skills)

  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelors/Master’s degree program in a scientific discipline or in Computer Science
  • Demonstrated exposure to college level physics, math, and/or signal and image processing techniques
  • Experience programming in C or C++
  • Experience programming in Python, including scientific Python libraries such as numpy, scipy, pandas
  • Intellectual curiosity and a desire for continuous learning
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and collaborate with small teams
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance and meet customer-specific security screening requirements.

Nice to Have (preferred skills)

  • Experience working in a Linux environment
  • Experience with signal processing, image processing, computer vision, or machine learning
  • Physics-based modeling and simulation experience
  • Remote sensing experience utilizing Electro-Optics or Synthetic Aperture RADAR 
  • Parallel programming experience (threads, MPI, CUDA, etc.) 
  • Active Top Secret Clearance

The salary range for this role depends on the candidate’s level of experience:

  • Science Aide: $30/hr (currently enrolled in BS program and has completed sophomore year or higher)
  • Scientist Assistant: $35/hr (currently enrolled in MS program)

However, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Requirements 

  • U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility. 
  • Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. 
  • Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility. 
  • Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

Other Considerations

As the health and safety of employees continues to be a priority, Areté encourages employees to remain current on their COVID-19 vaccinations. Employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042. 

Areté is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.

Key Skills
MathematicsPhysicsScientific ComputingSignal ProcessingImage ProcessingCC++PythonNumpyScipyPandasAlgorithm DevelopmentData AnalysisMachine LearningComputer VisionPhysics-based Modeling
Categories
TechnologyScience & ResearchEngineeringData & AnalyticsSecurity & Safety
Benefits
Generous PTOFlextime SchedulingBereavementPaid Parental Leave401K Retirement Plan ContributionEmployee Stock Ownership PlanContinuing Education FundsMedical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceLife InsuranceLong-Term DisabilityVision Reimbursement