NIWC - Undergraduate Student III - MANTA Project (Task No. 55-142608)

Req No: 2026-20226
Category: Other
Type: Student
Salary: 19.67
Close Date:

Overview
The hourly rate for this position is $19.67 per hour for Undergraduate III and is non-negotiable.

This position is open until filled

Under direction, incumbents must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work.

This Statement of Work covers the need for student services to develop AI-driven software solutions for maritime operational challenges. The student will use a software engineering iterative approach to develop and test technical solutions using current engineering tools, such as AI Agent Frameworks, Large Language Models (LLMs), Python, and data visualization dashboards. The work involves developing, testing, and analyzing AI agents and their performance within a simulated operational environment to enhance decision-making for Navy users.

The Maritime Agentic Network Topology Assistance (MANTA) project aims to research and develop an AI-driven assistant that leverages a state-of-the-art AI Agent Framework and a DoD Large Language Model (LLM). This development is critical as it will demonstrate how advanced decision aids and mission planning tools can be made accessible to average Navy users without requiring extensive domain-specific training. The project will facilitate seamless interactions between a Maritime Operation Center (MOC) watchstander and a complex network topology planning tool, thereby speeding up the delivery of advanced capabilities to warfighters. This can be achieved by applying engineering techniques at an undergraduate level.


Responsibilities
The student contractor shall provide analytical and technical support in the following areas as specified under individual task orders, to the work sponsor.

Software Engineering, Programming:

• Build and test MANTA AI agent workflows with LangGraph.
• Use dashboards like Streamlit and LangFuse to monitor and analyze agent performance.
• Assist in the development and refinement of custom prompt engineering strategies for the user-facing chat interface
• Support the integration of the AI assistant with the TOMO-sim network planning tool via APIs.
• Document development processes, code, and experimental results to ensure project continuity and knowledge transfer.
• Use Git for version control, including branching, merging, and maintaining clean commit histories to support collaborative development.
• Engage proactively in learning new tools, frameworks, and methods relevant to machine learning, simulation development, and reinforcement learning research.

Qualifications
Undergraduate Student 3: Must have course work in the discipline requested on the task order Statement of Work. The student must be at the Senior level and have experience in 100% of the task requirements and be able to accomplish 90% of the work independently. Is not required to be an SDSU Student.

Minimum Qualifications Requirements:

Undergraduate 3: Computer Science major preferred; relevant majors such as Data Science or Cognitive Science will be suitable given relevant coursework and/or work experience.

Required Coursework and/or relevant work and/or laboratory experience:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Structures
• Algorithm Engineering
• File Structure and Database
• Compilers and Languages

Desired Coursework and/or relevant work and/or laboratory experience:

• Natural Language Processing
• Web Application Development
• Machine Learning

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong proficiency in Python.
• Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LangGraph, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Experience with GIT and version control.
• Knowledge of data visualization tools like Streamlit or Plotly
• Ability to read and implement technical documents or test standards.
• Comfortable working independently and in group settings.
• Flexible with learning new programming languages and technologies based on project needs.
• Independent/self-starter who can operate under minimal oversight

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• This position will require the employee to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.
• The student will work at NIWC Pacific Bayside.
• Due to the regulations established by the Department of Defense, only US Citizens may qualify.
• This is a student position and is limited to working 20 hours per week.
• This position will remain open until filled.
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual's qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.

To apply, visit https://careers-sdsurf.icims.com/jobs/20226/niwc---undergraduate-student-iii---manta-project-%28task-no.-55-142608%29/job?in_iframe=1









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