Security Infrastructure Engineering & Architecture Intern, Summer 2027 – Arlington, VA, US

Mastercard; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 48,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

Networking opportunities

Professional development experiences

Exposure to innovative technologies

Volunteer/community activities

Job summary

Mastercard’s Security Infrastructure Engineering & Architecture Intern program in Arlington, VA offers hands-on work, mentorship, and exposure to enterprise security initiatives. As an enrolled Cybersecurity student, you’ll apply networking and security fundamentals, work with Python or Java, and contribute to security architecture decisions while learning about PCI standards and governance.

You’ll collaborate with an experienced team, attend leadership sessions, and gain visibility across

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity with a projected graduation date between Dec 2027 and Jun 2028.
• Fundamental knowledge of networks, firewalls, ports, and protocols.
• Proficiency in Python and/or Java through coursework, projects, internships, or hands-on experience.
• Understanding of security and compliance frameworks; exposure to PCI standards preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills with a passion for cybersecurity.

Skills

Networking fundamentals

Security fundamentals

Python

Java

PCI frameworks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity

Job description

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build asustainableeconomy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactionssecure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

Security Infrastructure Engineering & Architecture Intern, Summer 2027 – Arlington, VA, US

Why join Mastercard’s internship program?

Mastercard's internship program offers more than hands‑on work. It provides an opportunity to build skills, expand your network, and make a meaningful impact while working on projects that support business priorities. It provides an opportunity to build skills, expand your network, and make a meaningful impact while working on projects that support business priorities.

About the team:

Enterprise Security Architecture and Innovation (ESAI) is an architecture and design team that is central to making technical decisions and mapping out security control deployment. We collaborate with technical leaders and decision makers from across the organization to reach these conclusions. Our focus is on the “what,” and “why,” not “how,” allowing creativity in solutioning. Our team works to ensure enterprise-wide technologies are secure by design to protect and enable the business. We provide advisory services & standardized security architecture frameworks. Additionally, our innovative approach to security modernizes the organization’s security posture, including taking the lead on forward-facing Zero Trust initiatives to ensure Mastercard rises to meet the security challenges of tomorrow.

What we’re looking for

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelors degree in Cybersecurity, with an anticipated graduation date between December 2027 and June 2028
• Demonstrated knowledge of networking and security fundamentals, including firewalls, ports, and communication protocols.
• Proficiency in Python and/or Java through coursework, projects, internships, or other hands‑on experience.
• Understanding of security and compliance frameworks; exposure to Payment Card Industry standards is preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills with a passion for technology and cybersecurity.
• This role is not eligible for Mastercard’s work authorization sponsorship. As such, candidates must be eligible to work in the United States, now as well as in the future, without employer sponsorship. For example, students or recent graduates in the United States on an F1 visa(including those with CPT or OPT authorization) are not eligible for this role.

As an intern, you'll benefit from

• Mentorship and coaching from experienced professionals and leaders
• Networking opportunities with fellow interns, employees, and senior leaders
• Professional development experiences focused on career growth and skill‑building
• Exposure to innovative technologies and global business challenges
• Volunteer, community engagement, and team‑building activities
• Many of our interns continue building their careers with Mastercard through full‑time opportunities, early career programs, or future internships.

Base Salary and Equal Opportunity

Base Salary: $35-46/hr

Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role.

In line with Mastercard’s total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include: insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance); flexible spending account and health savings account; paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave); 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire; 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays; 401k with a best-in-class company match; deferred compensation for eligible roles; fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities; eligibility for tuition reimbursement; and many more. Mastercard benefits for interns generally include: 56 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time; jury duty leave; and on-site fitness facilities in some locations.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.