Network & Cloud Engineering Intern

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking a part-time Network & Cloud Engineering Intern to support deployment, documentation, testing, and operation of network and AWS cloud services for PIA facilities and projects.

Under supervision, you will gain applied experience in enterprise networking, cloud administration, cybersecurity, monitoring, and technical support while following strict access and security guidelines.

Qualifications

• Foundational networking, TCP/IP, OS, cloud, and cybersecurity concepts.
• Interest in AWS, enterprise networking, automation, cybersecurity, or admin.
• Follow procedures, protect sensitive data, document work, ask for help when needed.
• Basic troubleshooting, analytical, organizational, and customer-service skills.
• Clear communication with technical staff, university personnel, partners, and interns.
• Reliability, attention to detail, initiative, eagerness to learn tools.
• Foundational coursework or practical experience in networking, systems admin, cloud or cybersecurity.
• Basic experience with Windows or Linux, CLI, productivity software, and docs.
• Work on site and maintain a set schedule.
• U.S. citizenship required; background screening; security training; access restrictions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation, configuration, testing, inventory, and documentation of network equipment and related tech.
• Support routine AWS administration and lab tasks, such as inventory, logging, backups, tagging, and deployment.
• Monitor dashboards and alerts; perform first-level troubleshooting; document incidents; escalate issues.
• Create and update network diagrams, asset inventories, configuration records, and SOPs.
• Provide courteous technical support to staff, students, faculty, visitors, and events; participate in meetings.

Skills

Foundational networking

TCP/IP

OS concepts

Cloud computing

Cybersecurity principles

AWS interest

Enterprise networking

Documentation

Communication with stakeholders

Reliability and initiative

Education

Foundational coursework in networking/systems

Tools

Windows

Linux

CLI

Job description

Department:

Academic Affairs

Classification:

GMU Worker

Job Category:

Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type:

Part-Time

Location:

iHub, Colorado Springs, CO

Workplace Type:

On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility:

Not eligible for visasponsorship

Salary:

Salary commensurate with education andexperience

Criminal Background Check:

Yes

About the Department:

The Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) supports George MasonUniversity’s work with the Air Force research and innovationenterprise. The PIA connects mission partners with Mason faculty,students, laboratories, industry, startups, and investors andprovides operational support for collaboration, experimentation,technology transition, workforce development, and mission-focusedengagement.

About the Position:

The Network & Cloud Engineering Intern supports the deployment,documentation, testing, and routine operation of network and AWScloud services used by PIA facilities and projects. Working underthe direction of the Network & Cloud Engineer or anotherdesignated technical lead, the intern gains applied experience withenterprise networking, cloud administration, cybersecurity,monitoring, documentation, and technical customer support. Theintern will not independently administer privileged productionsystems, approve security changes, or access classifiedinformation.

This position is Part-Time and will require 10–20 hours per weekduring the academic year and up to 29 hours per week duringacademic breaks or summer, subject to university student-employmentrules and available funding. Some evening event support or travelbetween local sites may be required with advance notice.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with installation, configuration, testing, inventory,and documentation of network equipment, wireless services, cabling,end-user connectivity, and approved lab or event technology;
• Support routine AWS administration and lab tasks, such asresource inventory, approved account setup, logging checks, backupverification, tagging, cost tracking, and deployment in sandbox ordevelopment environments;
• Monitor dashboards and service alerts; perform first-leveltroubleshooting; collect diagnostic information; documentincidents; and elevate outages, security concerns, orconfiguration issues to authorized staff;
• Create and update network diagrams, asset inventories,configuration records, knowledge articles, checklists, runbooks,and standard operating procedures; and
• Provide courteous technical support to PIA staff, students,faculty, visitors, and events; participate in team meetings,training, security briefings, and project reviews.

Required Qualifications:

• Foundational understanding of computer networks, TCP/IP,operating systems, cloud computing, and cybersecurityprinciples;
• Interest in AWS, enterprise networking, infrastructureautomation, cybersecurity, or systems administration;
• Ability to follow written procedures, protect sensitiveinformation, document work accurately, and ask for assistance whena task exceeds assigned authority;
• Basic troubleshooting, analytical, organizational, andcustomer-service skills;
• Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively withtechnical staff, university personnel, government partners, andother interns;
• Reliability, attention to detail, initiative, and willingnessto learn unfamiliar tools and technologies;
• Completion of foundational coursework or equivalent practicalexperience in networking, systems administration, cloud computing,or cybersecurity;
• Basic experience with Windows or Linux, command-line tools,productivity software, and technical documentation;
• Ability to work regularly on site and to maintain anagreed-upon work schedule during the academic term or summerperiod; and
• U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of thesupported federal and defense activities. Employment is contingentupon completion of applicable background screening. The intern mustcomplete required cybersecurity, acceptable-use, export-control,and data-handling training and comply with all university andsponsor access restrictions. Access to production systems isrole-based, supervised, and limited to assigned duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework, labs, projects, or certifications involving AWS,Azure, Cisco networking, Linux, Python, PowerShell, Terraform, orcybersecurity;
• CompTIA Network+, Security+, AWS Cloud Practitioner, CiscoCCST/CCNA, or progress toward a comparable credential;
• Experience with a help desk, student technology team, researchlab, makerspace, internship, military service, or technical studentorganization; and
• Demonstrated interest in federal technology, defenseinnovation, research infrastructure, or public service.

Posting Open Date:

August 4, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:

August 18, 2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Mason Ad Statement:

George Mason University is a nationally ranked R1 researchuniversity committed to creating a more just, free, and prosperousworld. With 40,000 enrolled students, George Mason is the largestand most diverse public research university in Virginia, offeringdegree programs at the master's, doctoral, and professional level,along with certificates and credentials.

George Mason fosters an All Together Different environment forstudents, faculty, and staff, driven by our core beliefs. Webelieve in inclusivity over exclusivity; we believe in advancingour mission by being willing to take risks, not avoiding them; andwe believe our best work is possible when we apply our diversity oforigin, identity, circumstance, and thought.

Equity Statement:

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative actionemployer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in itscommunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration foret employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability orveteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information:

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available athttp://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/