Riverside Research is an independent National Security Nonprofit dedicated to research and development in the national interest. We provide high-end technical services, research and development, and prototype solutions to some of the country’s most challenging technical problems.
 
 All Riverside Research opportunities require U.S. Citizenship.
 

Riverside Research is seeking a highly motivated GIS Intern to support geospatial intelligence efforts for National Security clients. This role is ideal for students majoring in Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing, or related fields. The intern will focus on GIS validation and verification (V&V) of commercial data providers, conduct GIS data research, analysis, and exploitation, and support various mapping and geospatial projects. Additional responsibilities include shadowing Space and AI portfolio leads and assisting in developing tools and processes that integrate automation and AI into geospatial workflows.

This internship provides hands-on experience applying GIS skills to real-world challenges while gaining insights into the intersection of geospatial intelligence and National Security.

• Conduct GIS validation and verification (V&V) of commercial datasets, ensuring compliance with accuracy and reliability standards.
• Research, analyze, and process geospatial data to identify trends, patterns, and actionable intelligence.
• Create, edit, and maintain GIS datasets, including metadata and attribute tables.
• Produce high-quality maps, reports, and visualizations for internal and external stakeholders using software like ArcGIS or QGIS.
• Assist with geospatial workflows involving remote sensing and the integration of data from multiple sources.
• Shadow Space and AI portfolio leads to gain insights into DoD geospatial workflows and mission support.
• Support the development and implementation of geospatial tools, incorporating automation and AI capabilities for efficiency and scalability.
• Present findings through reports, presentations, or briefings to contribute to project deliverables.
• Stay updated on emerging GIS and geospatial intelligence trends, tools, and best practices.

Required:

• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Current enrollment in a Bachelor’s program in Geography, GIS, Remote Sensing, or a related field, with at least sophomore standing.
• Strong understanding of GIS tools, such as ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar platforms.
• Experience working with spatial data, including geospatial analysis, editing, and visualization.
• Basic knowledge of remote sensing concepts and working with imagery datasets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Desired:

• Experience with geospatial programming or scripting (e.g., Python, R, or MATLAB) to automate GIS tasks.
• Familiarity with AI/ML tools and their applications to geospatial intelligence.
• Knowledge of geospatial standards, such as coordinate reference systems and metadata requirements.
• Experience with advanced geospatial tools or remote sensing software (e.g., ENVI, ERDAS Imagine).
• Interest or experience in National Security or defense-related projects.

$20 - $30/hr This represents the typical compensation range for this position based on experience, location and other factors.

 
Riverside Research Institute is a not-for-profit, technology-oriented defense company, where service to our customers and support of our staff is our overall mission. Riverside is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring.  Riverside offers comprehensive compensation and benefit packages to our employees.
Riverside bases its employment decisions solely on technical experience, qualifications and other job-related criteria related to our organizational purpose as a not-for-profit company, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, veteran’s status or any other status legally protected by applicable federal, state, and local law.