IT and Data Intern

Capital Cyber; Ashburn, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Capital Cyber is seeking a part-time IT and Data Intern to perform hands-on technical work at client sites in Northern Virginia and to build the reporting that supports it.

The position is approximately twenty hours per month, with additional hours during the initial weeks while onsite work is concentrated. A separate optional unpaid research track is available and does not affect the paid position.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience diagnosing and repairing computers (hardware, OS, drivers).
• Basic networking knowledge (TCP/IP, DHCP/DNS, switches).
• Written English clarity for client communication and reporting.
• Python ability to write small programs and explain reasoning.
• SQL or ability to learn APIs to extract data.

Responsibilities

• Half of the role is on-site hardware troubleshooting and deployment.
• Half of the role is data collection, reporting, and transforming operational data for management.

Skills

Python basics

Technical writing

On-site troubleshooting

Client communication

Time management

Tools

API access

SQL querying

Helpdesk software

CRM systems

Security tooling

Job description

Position Summary
Capital Cyber is a managed cybersecurity and IT services firm based in Leesburg, Virginia, serving government contractors and small businesses across Loudoun, Fairfax and Alexandria. We are seeking a part-time IT and Data Intern to perform hands‑on technical work at client sites and to build the reporting that supports it.

The firm is small, and the work assigned to this position is production work. It is used by clients, generally within the same week, and it is reviewed. This is a paid part‑time position of approximately twenty hours per month, with additional hours in the initial weeks while onsite work is concentrated. A separate, entirely optional, unpaid research track is available and does not affect the paid position.

Mandatory Conditions (an applicant who does not meet all three cannot be considered)

• A current, valid driver's license and a personal vehicle, insured and available for work travel. Client sites are distributed across Northern Virginia and most are not reachable by public transport.
• Availability to attend a client site on twenty‑four hours' notice.
• Residence in Northern Virginia, within reasonable driving distance of Loudoun, Fairfax and Alexandria. Mileage between sites is reimbursed at the prevailing federal rate.

Responsibilities
About half the position is onsite technical work: diagnosing, repairing, configuring and deploying end‑user computers, network switches, wireless access points, printers and point‑of‑sale hardware in businesses that remain open throughout. The candidate documents what was found and changed to a standard a colleague who wasn't present can act on.

The remaining half is data and reporting work. Client systems, including helpdesk platforms, time‑tracking systems, CRMs, telephony and security tooling, hold operational data that management requires in usable form, generally retrieved through an API or a SQL query rather than an export. The candidate extracts it, presents it so a business owner can interpret it quickly, and, critically, identifies when a figure is incorrect. A report that silently presents a wrong figure is worse than no report, because decisions get made on it.

Required Qualifications (demonstrated capability weighs more than academic credentials)

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience diagnosing and repairing computers: hardware fault isolation, component replacement, OS install/reimaging, driver and peripheral configuration, recovering a machine that won't start.
• Working knowledge of small business networking: TCP/IP addressing and subnetting, DHCP/DNS, switching and VLAN basics, wireless AP configuration, structured cabling, and methodical fault isolation.
• Sufficient Python to write a working program and explain the reasoning behind it.
• SQL, or a demonstrated capacity to acquire it within the first weeks.
• Clear, accurate written English. A significant part of this role is explaining to a client or colleague what happened and what was done about it.
• Driver's license, vehicle, and twenty‑four‑hour onsite availability, as above.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior IT support experience in any setting: helpdesk, campus IT, retail tech support, family/community support.
• Experience retrieving data from a documented API.
• Practical use of AI tooling beyond conversational prompting, applied to a defined task with checked output.
• Any project where the candidate verified the result was correct rather than assuming it.
• A relevant certification such as CompTIA A+ or Network+, or progress toward one.

A security certification, a completed degree, and prior experience with our specific platforms are not required. Those can be taught.

Compensation, Hours and the Optional Research Track
Approximately twenty hours per month, paid twice monthly, scheduled around academic or other commitments, with additional hours during the initial period. Mileage is reimbursed. The hourly rate is set at offer based on experience; applicants may state their expectation and will get a direct answer on whether it can be met.

Separately, applicants may take up to a further twenty hours per month of unpaid research time learning how the firm's AI and automation work is built. It is entirely optional, never billable client work, the output belongs to the candidate to keep and publish freely, and it may be discontinued at any time without notice.

What This Position Offers
The successful candidate reports directly to the owner of the firm. The reporting and automation produced in this role are the systems the business runs on, not exercises built to occupy an intern. A written reference and a specific, citable body of work are provided on completion.

Capital Cyber is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.