About the role#
The Secure and Resilient Systems group is looking for a Formal Methods Research Intern for the summer of 2027. You will work with a team of computer scientists and cybersecurity professionals to support the specification and verification of systems-level software. This role focuses on establishing cyber and systems security properties while you gain hands-on experience with formal methods.
What you'll do#
- Build specifications and proofs using assistants like Rocq and Lean.
- Develop tools and capabilities in programming languages such as Rust and OCaml.
- Identify machine-checkable properties and apply tools to verify them.
- Document design decisions and technical progress for management.
- Collaborate with the team on research tasks, including reviewing papers and proposals.
- Develop technical fluency in formal methods for cyber and system security.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in Computer Science, Computer Security, Formal Methods, Automated Reasoning, or a related field.
- Experience with functional and imperative programming.
- Exposure to programming language concepts like type systems, operational semantics, interpreters, and compilers.
- Familiarity with Linux or Unix-like systems.
- Ability to work collaboratively on speculative research projects.
- Experience with version control or other software collaboration tools.
- Knowledge of proof techniques such as separation logic, refinement, translation validation, or symbolic execution.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity principles like non-interference.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- U.S. Citizenship is required, and you must be able to obtain a security clearance if needed.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship for Summer 2027.
- The position is located on-site in either Lexington, Massachusetts, or Beavercreek, Ohio.
- Compensation ranges from $25.00 to $35.00 per hour, depending on experience and location.
About Riverside Research
Riverside Research is a nonprofit organization established in 1967. It focuses on scientific research for the US government and the public interest. The company employs approximately 802 people across several locations including Fairfax, Virginia. Its technical work spans fields like machine learning, optics, electromagnetics, and systems engineering.
How to get in at Riverside Research
Applying to Riverside Research early is a significant advantage, as recruiters often review candidates in the order they arrive before the applicant pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you get your materials in among the first. This timing often makes the difference between being seen and being buried in a stack of resumes. Reaching out to the right person can also improve your chances of getting a response. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral. This direct approach is a professional way to stand out from the crowd and show genuine interest in the work at Riverside Research.



