Cybersecurity Analyst Intern

COMFORT SYSTEMS; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking motivated cybersecurity internship candidates for Summer 2027. You’ll be embedded with SOC analysts at the Mark Center in Alexandria, VA, gaining hands-on experience in threat detection and incident handling within a DISN-focused environment.

The role emphasizes working on real security operations, with opportunities to learn enterprise-grade tools, document findings, and contribute to incident reports for customers and higher headquarters.

Qualifications

• 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 Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Information Technology.
• Technical Foundation: Basic understanding of TCP/IP, networking ports and protocols, traffic flow, OSI model, and defense-in-depth principles.
• Analytical Mindset: Self-starter with strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Teamwork: Collaborative with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Location: On-site at the Mark Center in Alexandria, VA; no teleworking opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Learn to utilize alerts from endpoints, IDS/IPS, NetFlow, and sensors to identify compromises.
• Review large log files, pivot between data sets, and correlate evidence for investigations.
• Assist senior SOC personnel by triaging alerts and identifying malicious actors.
• Document analysis, findings, and actions in case management system.
• Help create and distribute incident reports to customers and higher headquarters.

Skills

Security clearance eligible

Analytical mindset

Teamwork

Communication skills

Networking knowledge

Problem solving

Education

Pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity / CS / IT

Tools

IDS/IPS

NetFlow

SIEM basics

Job description

Description

Leidos, a leading defense, intelligence, and technology company, is seeking motivated and aspiring cybersecurity students for ourSummer 2027 Internship Program (Starts May 2027). As aCybersecurity Analyst Intern, you will join ourDigital Sectoron the Global Solutions Management – Operations II (GSM-O II) contract at theMark 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 andable 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 basedon-site at the Mark Center in Alexandria, VA.All work must be performed on site – no teleworking opportunities.

What We Want (Desired):

• Certifications:Obtaining aCompTIA Security+certification (or any certification that aligns with DoD 8570 IAT Level II) before the start date isstrongly 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.

Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00

Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand 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.

About 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 $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. 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 at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits .

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

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.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Leidos will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in accordance with relevant Laws. Leidos is an equal opportunity employer/disability/vet.