NASA Ames Research Center Opens AI & Machine Learning Internship in Air Traffic Management for Summer 2026: Apply Now

NASA's Ames Research Center (ARC), located in the heart of Silicon Valley (Moffett Field, CA), is recruiting undergraduate interns for a cutting-edge project: AI & ML for Air Traffic Management. This is a unique opportunity to apply modern data science to one of the most complex logistical challenges in the world: managing the national airspace.

This project explores innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (specifically Natural Language Processing) to digitize and analyze heritage air traffic management (ATM) datasets. If you are a CS or Math student interested in how AI can optimize flight operations, this is the perfect summer role.

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<>Detailed Role & Key Responsibilities

As an intern, you will work collaboratively with NASA personnel to build systems that assist FAA specialists in making complex decisions.

1. Data Science & NLP Pipeline

You will deal with a rich volume of unstructured data.

• Pipeline Construction: Develop a data pipeline to find language patterns for classification and extraction.
• Digitization: Process heritage text, audio, and track data.
• Speech Recognition: Apply Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) to aviation audio data.

2. Optimization & Recommender Systems

The goal is to improve real-world flight operations.

• Operations Analysis: Research ways to optimize runway configuration management and analyze Traffic Management Initiatives (TMIs).
• Recommender Services: Build semi-automated recommender services that provide "decision support" to human controllers.

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<>Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

NASA is looking for self-starters who are comfortable in a technical, research-driven environment.

1. Academic Status

• Level: Open to Undergraduate Students (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior).
• Preferred Majors: Computer Science, Mathematics, Computational Science, Aerospace Engineering, Data Science, or Information Studies.

2. Citizenship

• Requirement: The listing metadata specifies US Citizen Only. (Note: While the description text mentions permanent residents, the strict system filter often defaults to Citizens for specific high-tech roles. Applicants should verify their specific status eligibility on the portal.)

3. Technical Skills

• Must Have: Proficiency in Python.
• Strongly Preferred: Background in Data Science, Statistical Analysis, AI/ML, and Software Development.
• Bonus: Interest in Aviation, Airline Operations, or Cloud-based services.

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<>Key Dates & Logistics

• Registration Opens: December 15, 2025
• Registration Closes: February 27, 2026
• Session: Summer 2026
• Format: In-person at Ames Research Center (California).

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<>How to Apply

To apply, you must use the NASA STEM Gateway. You will need to create a profile and search for the specific opportunity ID.

Step 1: Go to the NASA STEM Gateway.
Step 2: Search for Opportunity ID: 023499.
Step 3: Submit your application before Feb 27, 2026.

Apply Here (Direct Link)