AI/Automation Development Intern - Assessment & Authorization

00100 LEIDOS, INC.; United States; Remote; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking an AI/Automation Development Intern within the SMIT contract to help automate RMF workflows and A&A tasks. This role offers hands-on experience in AI-enabled tooling, data extraction, and documentation for security authorization processes.

You will work with senior developers and security professionals to implement automation, test software, and contribute to continuous improvement of automation frameworks within a cybersecurity context.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering or related field (Junior or Senior standing preferred).
• Scripting experience with Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, or Bash.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automation scripts to streamline RMF processes and A&A workflows.
• Assist in design, development, and testing of AI-enabled tools for RMF analysis and authorization package processing.
• Create and optimize scripts for data extraction, transformation, and automation of compliance documentation tasks.
• Support integration of AI/ML models into RMF tools and platforms.
• Collaborate with senior developers and security analysts to identify automation opportunities in the authorization lifecycle.
• Document technical specifications and user guides for automation solutions.
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to CI/CD and automation framework improvements.
• Conduct testing and QA of automation scripts and AI-enabled applications.
• Assist in data analysis and visualization to support RMF decision-making.

Skills

Python

PowerShell

JavaScript

Bash

Strong problem-solving

Independent & team work

Education

Computer Science / IT / Cybersecurity / Data Science / Software Engineering (student)

Tools

Git

GitHub

GitLab

UiPath

Automation Anywhere

Power Automate

TensorFlow / PyTorch

Job description

SMIT (Systems Modernization and Information Technology) Contract at Leidos – AI/Automation Development Intern - Assessment & Authorization

The SMIT (Systems Modernization and Information Technology) contract at Leidos currently has an opening for an AI/Automation Development Intern – Assessment & Authorization to work with our Assessment & Authorization (A&A) team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in developing cutting‑edge AI solutions and automation tools that transform Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes within the cybersecurity authorization domain. In this mission, we are revolutionizing how our organization handles RMF workflows for system authorization and accreditation by leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and intelligent automation to increase efficiency, reduce processing time, and enhance security compliance decision‑making. As part of our A&A team, you will contribute to building innovative solutions that streamline authorization processes, automate compliance documentation, and support the security authorization lifecycle for mission‑critical systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automation scripts to streamline RMF processes and A&A workflows
• Assist in the design, development, and testing of AI‑enabled tools for RMF analysis, security control assessment, and authorization package processing
• Create and optimize Python, PowerShell, or JavaScript scripts for data extraction, transformation, and automation of compliance documentation tasks
• Support the integration of AI/ML models into existing RMF and A&A tools and platforms
• Collaborate with senior developers, security analysts, and authorization professionals to identify automation opportunities in the authorization lifecycle
• Document technical specifications, user guides, and process workflows for developed automation solutions
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of automation frameworks
• Conduct testing and quality assurance of automation scripts and AI‑enabled applications
• Assist in data analysis and visualization to support RMF and authorization decision‑making processes
• Support the maintenance and enhancement of existing automation tools, dashboards, and compliance tracking systems
• Help automate repetitive tasks related to security control documentation, evidence collection, and authorization status reporting

Basic Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field (Junior or Senior standing preferred)
• Must have scripting experience with one or more of the following: Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, or Bash
• Demonstrated ability to write clean, maintainable, and well‑documented code
• Basic understanding of automation concepts and workflow optimization
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance (or higher if required)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI/ML frameworks and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit‑learn, OpenAI API)
• Familiarity with AI‑powered coding assistants and tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, Claude by Anthropic, OpenAI Codex)
• Familiarity with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools such as UiPath, Automation Anywhere, or Power Automate
• Knowledge of natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs) for document analysis and generation
• Experience using AI tools for code generation, debugging, and documentation
• Basic understanding of cybersecurity frameworks (NIST RMF, FISMA, FedRAMP) and authorization processes
• Experience with version control systems (Git, GitHub, GitLab)
• Understanding of API development and integration (REST, GraphQL)
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their AI/ML services
• Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
• Knowledge of database systems (SQL, NoSQL) and data manipulation
• Previous internship or project experience in automation, AI development, or cybersecurity
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies
• Understanding of DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines
• Coursework or certifications in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, or cybersecurity
• Experience with low‑code/no‑code platforms
• Familiarity with compliance management tools (e.g., Xacta, eMASS, Archer)
• Strong interest in emerging AI technologies, automation trends, and cybersecurity
• Experience integrating AI assistants into development workflows and automation pipelines

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

November 6, 2026

For U.S. Positions

While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00

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.

Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

Securing Your Data

Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information at any part of the employment application process. And Leidos will communicate with you only through emails that are sent from a Leidos.com email address. If you receive an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information, please report the email to [e-mail].

Commitment and Diversity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.