Summer Associate Internship (Payments AI Engineer)

The Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) Payments team is responsible for evaluating and advancing innovative technologies that can enhance payment capabilities, operational efficiency, and member experiences. The team works across strategic initiatives involving artificial intelligence (AI), digital assets, stablecoin, payment modernization, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities and develop solutions that support the future of financial services.

The Payments AI Engineer Summer Associate will support research, analysis, prototyping, and technology evaluation efforts across a portfolio of innovation initiatives. This role provides an opportunity to work with emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital assets, stablecoin, data analytics, and payment modernization solutions while collaborating with business and technology leaders across the enterprise.

The Summer Associate Program is a 12-week internship program beginning in May 2027 and ending in August 2027. Students will work on impactful projects and meaningful work during their internship. To qualify for this position, applicants must be currently pursuing a degree from an accredited college or university and have an anticipated graduation date of December 2027 or later.

Potential Projects:

• Research and evaluate stablecoin and digital asset technologies and their potential application within financial services
• Design and develop AI-driven proof-of-concepts to improve operational efficiency, decision-making, and member experiences
• Build prototypes, scripts, and test automation solutions that demonstrate business value and technical feasibility
• Support innovation initiatives through technical analysis, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and executive reporting

Responsibilities

• Research AI, machine learning, stablecoin, blockchain, digital assets, and fintech trends
• Develop AI use cases using modern tools, data platforms, and frameworks
• Assess emerging technologies for feasibility
• Document and present findings and recommendations
• Collaborate with engineering, product, cybersecurity, and business teams
• Present research, prototypes, and recommendations to stakeholders
• Support daily ETS Payments strategy, engineering, and operations

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field
• Knowledge of basic strategic planning frameworks and structured problem-solving techniques
• Knowledge of blockchain, stablecoin, and cryptocurrency payment technologies.
• Strong technical research, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated or applied experience with fintech, digital payments, blockchain, stablecoin, or digital asset technologies.
• Experience conducting technical research and synthesizing findings into presentations, reports, or recommendations.

Additional Information

Hours:

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Location:

• 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180
• 5550 Heritage Oaks Drive, Pensacola, FL 32526

Navy Federal provides much more than a job. We provide a meaningful career experience, including a culture that is energized, engaged and committed; and fierce appreciation for our teams, who are rewarded with highly competitive pay and generous benefits and perks.

Our approach to careers is simple yet powerful: Make our mission your passion.

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Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Accommodations: If you need accommodation or assistance for a qualifying condition to complete the online application (or during any stage of the hiring process), you can contact Navy Federal's Medical Accommodations team at medicalaccommodations@navyfederal.org or by calling 1-888-503-6013. This team cannot provide any information on job postings or application status.

Disclaimers: Navy Federal reserves the right to fill this role at a higher/lower grade level based on business need. An assessment may be required to compete for this position. Job postings are subject to close early or extend out longer than the anticipated closing date at the hiring team’s discretion based on qualified applicant volume. Navy Federal Credit Union assesses market data to establish salary ranges that enable us to remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range, based on your experience, location and market position. For additional details regarding compensation and benefits, review the Benefits page of the Navy Federal Career Site.

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