Cyber Security Intern - Summer 2027

Overview:

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

 

The Strategic Division (SD) supports high-reliability organizations including Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. Our support across our client base is expanding rapidly and encompasses important services, such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, cost estimating, earned value management, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention.

 

Timeline for intern selection: 

• Applications can be submitted and will be reviewed until 13 November 2026.
• Interviews will begin on 16 November and will conclude on 18 December 2026.
• Offers/decisions will be extended starting 18 November.

Responsibilities:

The Intern will complete tasks assigned by a mentor in support of the acquisition and sustainment efforts of the Transit Protection Program. The position will focus on applying operations research, data analytics, and cybersecurity risk-analysis methods to test design, program evaluation, and complex decision-making. The Intern will translate technical, operational, and cybersecurity information into clear, actionable recommendations for program leaders and other stakeholders.

 

Potential assignments may include:

• Supporting cybersecurity risk assessments by analyzing threats, vulnerabilities, consequences, and potential mission impacts
• Evaluating cybersecurity considerations within system requirements, test plans, acquisition decisions, and sustainment strategies
• Conducting risk, sensitivity, uncertainty, and trade-space analyses
• Comparing cybersecurity risk-mitigation options through cost, performance, schedule, and mission-effectiveness analyses
• Supporting analysis of alternatives

• The Intern will also gain exposure to other SPA teams supporting NWS, including Policy, Modeling and Simulation, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Safety Analysis.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Operations Research, Systems Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Economics, or another quantitative or technical discipline.
• Ability to work at SPA HQ, full-time, 5 days per week.
• US Citizenship required, and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with ability to synthesize data and communicate clearly via written and verbal means.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to communicate to decision makers.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Proactive interest in learning new skills and engaging new challenges.
• Strong customer service skills, with interest in proactively anticipating and addressing client needs.
• MATLAB or similar programming or data analysis experience.

Pay Range Information: At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $23.00/Hr. - USD $33.00/Hr.