Careers

Build Systems That Actually Matter

At The Cactus Group, we work at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and regulated environments – building systems that function where complexity, accountability, and precision all matter.

We keep our team intentionally small and our work intentionally meaningful. Whether someone joins us as an intern, part-time contributor, or full-time team member, the expectation is the same: thoughtful work, real ownership, and useful outcomes.

Remote • U.S.based • Maryland-supervised

Who We Are

We Build Where Structure Matters

The Cactus Group operates in environments where structure is not optional. Our work spans applied AI systems, cybersecurity, and compliance within regulated industries, including the Defense Industrial Base.

We focus on building systems that are usable, explainable, and aligned with real-world constraints. That means less emphasis on abstraction and more emphasis on clarity, reliability, and operational value.

This is a strong fit for individuals who want exposure to meaningful work – not performative work – and who are motivated by thoughtful problem-solving rather than simply completing assigned tasks.

How We Work

How We Work

We look for people who are energized by structure, ownership, and useful work.

Structured Thinking

We break down problems into systems, not scattered tasks.

Ownership

If you’re here, your work matters. We value initiative, follow-through, and accountability.

Clarity Over Complexity

We prioritize precision and usefulness over jargon or over-engineering.

Applied Work

We build for real environments, real constraints, and real outcomes.

Program status

Summer 2026 Cohort

We hire intentionally and keep our team small. When opportunities are available, they are listed below by category.

Each role includes specific details on responsibilities, expectations, and how to apply.

Summer Internship Program: Applications Closed


Thank you to everyone who applied. Our 2026 Summer internship cohort has been selected, and we are not accepting additional internship applications at this time.

Internships

Our internships are structured, supervised roles designed for individuals who want direct exposure to applied systems, regulated environments, and meaningful work.

Internship Structure

  • Employment Type: Temporary W-2 Internship
  • Duration: 10 weeks, 400 hours total
  • Schedule: 40 hours per week
  • Location: Remote (U.S.-based; Maryland-based supervision)
  • Compensation: $25.00/hour
  • Internship Term: June 2026 through August 2026
  • Benefits: No employer-sponsored benefits provided
  • Additional Compensation: No additional compensation beyond the stated hourly wage

AI Systems & ThornScan Support Intern

Assist in the development and support of AI-enabled compliance workflows within regulated environments, including the Defense Industrial Base. This role focuses on applied AI systems, structured data handling, compliance-oriented automation, and internal ThornScan support.

Position Details

  • Temporary W-2 Internship
  • 10 weeks, 400 hours total
  • 40 hours per week
  • Remote (U.S.-based; Maryland-based supervision)
  • $25.00/hour
  • June 2026 to August 2026

Responsibilities

  • Support AI-driven compliance and documentation workflows
  • Assist with system testing, validation, and output review
  • Work with structured datasets and control mapping logic
  • Document processes and system behaviors
  • Support internal tooling, including ThornScan, for operational use cases

Qualifications

  • Recent graduate or final-year student in a relevant field such as computer science, information systems, or cybersecurity
  • Strong attention to detail and structured thinking
  • Familiarity with AI tools or scripting is preferred, but not required
  • Interest in compliance, security, or regulated systems

 

Maryland-based students and recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply as part of our commitment to supporting Maryland’s emerging AI workforce.

Additional Employment Information: This is a supervised internship. No employer-sponsored benefits are provided, and no additional compensation is offered beyond the stated hourly wage.

Applications Closed

Agentic AI Integration Intern

Support the design and implementation of AI-driven workflows and automation systems. This role focuses on building and testing agent-based AI processes within structured, real-world environments.

Position Details

  • Temporary W-2 Internship
  • 10 weeks, 400 hours total
  • 40 hours per week
  • Remote (U.S.-based; Maryland-based supervision)
  • $25.00/hour
  • June 2026 to August 2026

Responsibilities

  • Assist in developing agentic AI workflows and automation logic
  • Support integration of AI tools into internal processes
  • Test and refine AI outputs for consistency and reliability
  • Document workflows and system behavior
  • Collaborate on applied AI use cases within regulated contexts

Qualifications

  • Recent graduate or final-year student in AI, computer science, or a related field
  • Familiarity with AI tools, APIs, or automation concepts
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Interest in applied AI systems rather than purely theoretical machine learning

 

Maryland-based students and recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply as part of our commitment to supporting Maryland’s emerging AI workforce.

Additional Employment Information: This is a supervised internship. No employer-sponsored benefits are provided, and no additional compensation is offered beyond the stated hourly wage.

Applications Closed

AI Governance & DIB Compliance Intern

Support governance, documentation, and risk alignment efforts for AI systems operating in regulated environments. This role focuses on translating technical systems into structured compliance artifacts.

Position Details

  • Temporary W-2 Internship
  • 10 weeks, 400 hours total
  • 40 hours per week
  • Remote (U.S.-based; Maryland-based supervision)
  • $25.00/hour
  • June 2026 to August 2026

Responsibilities

  • Assist in mapping AI systems to governance frameworks such as NIST
  • Support development of documentation and control narratives
  • Analyze system outputs for compliance alignment
  • Contribute to risk modeling and governance workflows
  • Support internal and client-facing documentation efforts

Qualifications

  • Recent graduate or final-year student in cybersecurity, policy, or a related field
  • Strong writing and analytical skills
  • Interest in governance, risk, and compliance
  • Familiarity with NIST frameworks is preferred, but not required

 

Maryland-based students and recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply as part of our commitment to supporting Maryland’s emerging AI workforce.

Additional Employment Information: This is a supervised internship. No employer-sponsored benefits are provided, and no additional compensation is offered beyond the stated hourly wage.

Applications Closed

Part-Time & Contract Roles

From time to time, we may open part-time or contract opportunities that support specialized initiatives, operational needs, or project-based work.

No Current Openings

We do not have any part-time or contract roles open at this time.

When opportunities become available, they will be posted here with role details, expectations, and application instructions.

For general hiring inquiries, please contact us at careers@thecactusgroup.com

Apply

Interested in Working With Us?

To apply for an open role, use the application button listed within that position.

For general recruiting inquiries, future opportunities, or questions about current openings, you can also email us directly at careers@thecactusgroup.com

Please include your resume, a short note of interest, and any relevant materials where applicable.