Cybersecurity Intern

Are you looking to bridge your classroom coursework in computer science, systems administration, or cybersecurity with real-world national defense technology? At Leidos, we don’t just offer internships - we offer career acceleration.

Join Leidos’ mission-focused Air Force National Capital Region (AFNCR) IT Services team supporting senior defense leaders and national-level command functions. It's a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where the work directly supports national defense operations where uptime is mission-essential. We’re seeking a motivated Cybersecurity Intern to support the Global Command and Control System (GCCS) environment. GCCS is the Department of Defense’s premier platform for joint battle management and situational awareness. Operate at a scale and with mission relevance second to none.

As an intern, you will work alongside seasoned project managers, cyber experts and defense engineers. You will learn how mission-critical servers, client workstations, and secure networks are deployed, patched, monitored, and maintained in an enterprise military environment.

Primary Qualifications:

• Basics of network and cloud security architecture
• How to research threats, malware trends, and new vulnerabilities
• How security policies, compliance requirements, and risk assessments are applied
• How automation and scripting support security workflows
• Monitor incoming security alerts and perform initial investigation steps
• Gather logs, data, and context to support senior analysts during investigations
• Assist with running and reviewing vulnerability scans
• Track remediation progress and update documentation
• Support user access reviews, identity audits, and permission cleanups
• Document standard operating procedures, incidents, and security findings
• Help research emerging threats and prepare brief summaries
• Participate in team meetings, security projects, and tool onboarding efforts
• Assist in implementing process improvements or automation ideas
• Support cybersecurity awareness initiatives or training activities

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field (Rising Juniors, Seniors or Master’s level considered).
• U.S. Citizenship required, with the ability to obtain and maintain an active Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance.
• Basic understanding of computer networks (IP addresses, ports, protocols)
• Awareness of general cybersecurity concepts (malware, threats, vulnerabilities)
• Ability to follow documented processes and pay attention to detail
• Familiarity with Linux, Unix, and Windows operating system Problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of web application security
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and risk management methodologies
• Familiarity with corrective action management, and auditing principles
• Demonstrated understanding of TCP/IP, common networking ports and protocols system administration, and common security elements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework or certifications in cybersecurity, IT, or computer science
•  Experience with or exposure to security tools (SIEM, endpoint protection, vulnerability scanners)
• Foundational scripting knowledge (Python, PowerShell, or Bash)
• Understanding of security frameworks
• Prior internship or experience in IT, engineering, defense, or customer-support environments Knowledge of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) directives and policies and procedures pertaining to sensitive information

Core Competencies:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook/Teams).
• High organizational ability, attention to detail, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

You’ll thrive in this role if you are

• Curious and adaptive—comfortable learning new domains and asking good questions
• Organized and self-directed, while still highly collaborative
• Confident communicating your needs and working as an active team member

Work location and schedule

• National Capital Region (Pentagon / Joint Base Andrews / Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling)
• FT or PT, core business hours 8am-4pm, 10-12 week internship, target start early June 2027
• Limited public transportation options

Why Leidos? What This Internship Offers You

• Direct Mentorship: Daily guidance from senior systems administrators and network engineers.
• Resume-Building Experience: Real-world enterprise exposure supporting high-profile DoD environments.
• Security Clearance Sponsorship: Opportunity to obtain and utilize a federal security clearance, opening doors for long-term career growth in government contracting and defense tech.
• Skill Development: Practical familiarity with DoD 8140 compliance, cyber skills, and modern device management.

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.