Cybersecurity Intern

Leidos; Camp Springs (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct mentorship

Resume-building

Clearance sponsorship

DoD cyber training

Job summary

Leidos in the National Capital Region is offering a Cybersecurity Intern role that bridges classroom study with national defense technology. You will join Leidos' mission-focused AFNCR IT Services team supporting senior defense leaders and national-level command functions to sustain mission-essential operations.

You will learn how mission-critical servers, client workstations, and secure networks are deployed, patched, monitored, and maintained in an enterprise military environment with guidance

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college pursuing a degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• U.S. Citizenship required with ability to obtain DoD Secret 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.

Responsibilities

• Support GCCS environment as part of Leidos AFNCR IT Services.
• Learn how mission-critical servers, client workstations, and secure networks are deployed, patched, monitored, and maintained.
• Assist in monitoring security alerts and performing initial investigations.
• Gather logs and context to support senior analysts during investigations.
• Assist in running and reviewing vulnerability scans and track remediation progress.

Skills

Network security basics

Threat research

Policy compliance

Automation scripting

Security monitoring

Log analysis

Vulnerability scanning

Documentation

Access reviews

Incident response basics

Team collaboration

Education

Information Technology/CS/Cybersecurity degree

Tools

SIEM

Vulnerability scanners

PowerShell

Endpoint protection

Job description

Description

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 offercareer 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 ideasSupport 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.

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.