Cybersecurity Analyst Intern

Leidos, a leading defense, intelligence, and technology company, is seeking motivated and aspiring cybersecurity students for our Summer 2027 Internship Program (Starts May 2027). As a Cybersecurity Analyst Intern, you will join our Digital Sector on the Global Solutions Management – Operations II (GSM-O II) contract at the Mark Center in Alexandria, VA. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real Security Operations Center (SOC), contributing to the defense of the Defense Information System Network (DISN) in support of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).

Your Opportunity:

Are you ready to move beyond the classroom and hunt for real-world threats? As a member of our cybersecurity team, you will be embedded directly with SOC analysts, learning how to use enterprise-grade tools to detect and analyze compromises on a global network. You will contribute directly to the security of vital communication networks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, gaining hands-on experience in cyber operations that truly matters.

What You’ll Do (Potential Projects & Learning Opportunities):

• Learn to utilize alerts from endpoints, IDS/IPS, NetFlow, and custom sensors to identify compromises on customer networks.
• Perform junior-level review of massive log files, pivot between data sets, and correlate evidence for incident investigations.
• Assist senior-level SOC personnel by passing triaged alerts and helping to identify malicious actors.
• Practice documenting analysis, findings, and actions in a case management system.
• Support the creation and distribution of incident reports to customers and higher headquarters.

What You’ll Bring (Required):

• Citizenship & Clearance: Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance or higher.
• Education: Currently pursuing a degree in a relevant field such as Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Information Technology.
• Technical Foundation: A basic understanding of TCP/IP, common networking ports and protocols, traffic flow, system administration, the OSI model, and defense-in-depth principles.
• Analytical Mindset: A motivated self-starter with strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Teamwork: A collaborative attitude with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Location: This internship is based on-site at the Mark Center in Alexandria, VA. All work must be performed on site – no teleworking opportunities.

What We Want (Desired):

• Certifications: Obtaining a CompTIA Security+ certification (or any certification that aligns with DoD 8570 IAT Level II) before the start date is strongly encouraged.
• Hands-On Experience: Prior experience working in a SOC environment or a Computer Incident Response organization is strongly preferred. Experience from home labs, CTF competitions, or class projects is also highly desirable.
• Familiarity with:
  • Cybersecurity and Incident Handling concepts (e.g., MITRE AT&CK framework).
  • Performing data analysis and using pivot tables to identify trends.
  • Willingness to perform shift work, including potential weekend hours.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.