Software Engineering & AI Intern

Leidos; United States; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking motivated software engineering and AI interns for Summer 2027. The program offers exposure to DISN-related systems, real-time data pipelines, and generative AI on a largely remote basis with mandatory on-site requirements at Scott AFB, IL or Ft. Meade, MD.

You will work on Python/Java/SQL development, build dashboards, develop Kafka integrations, and apply AI/ML to enterprise-scale challenges, gaining hands-on AWS, Databricks, and cybersecurity automation experience.

Qualifications

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for interim DoD clearance.
• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Data Science.
• Software development experience with Python, Java, and SQL; basic HTML/JavaScript knowledge.
• Experience with Git/Bitbucket and UNIX command line.
• Ability to collaborate in a virtual, Agile team.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, test, and deploy software using Python/JS/Java/SQL.
• Create Kibana dashboards for operators and support staff.
• Develop Kafka integrations between Elasticsearch/Logstash and other systems.
• Apply AI/ML and automation capabilities to real-time pipelines.
• Assist with deployment, testing, and maintenance of Kafka/Elastic clusters.

Skills

Python

JavaScript

Java

SQL

Git

Bitbucket

UNIX

Agile

Education

Undergraduate student in Computer Science/Software Engineering/Data Science

Tools

Kubernetes

Docker

Jenkins

Ansible

Selenium

JMeter

JUnit

Job description

Leidos, a leading defense, intelligence, and technology company, is seeking motivated and aspiring software engineering students for our Summer 2027 Internship Program (Starts May 2027). As a Software Engineering & AI Intern, you will join our Digital Sector on the Global Solutions Management - Operations II (GSM‑O II) contract. This contract includes the Operations, Sustainment, Maintenance, Repair, and Defense of the Defense Information System Network (DISN) in support of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). This role is primarily remote, with mandatory, periodic on-site requirements at either Scott AFB, IL or Ft. Meade, MD.

Your Opportunity

We are looking for highly motivated, driven, and capable candidates to join our GSM‑O Global Automation and Intelligent Network Solutions (GAINS) Team! This summer, you will do more than observe-you will help build intelligent systems that operate at mission‑critical scale. You will work with high-volume data, engineer real‑time pipelines using technologies such as Kafka and Elastic, and apply predictive machine learning and generative AI to detect emerging problems and advance toward closed‑loop, self‑healing networks. You will gain hands‑on experience with AWS, Databricks, Watson AIOps and cybersecurity automation, building the technical experience and portfolio‑ready accomplishments that can accelerate your career.

What You’ll Do (Potential Projects & Learning Opportunities)

• Design, develop, document, test, and deploy software written in Python, JavaScript, Java, and SQL.
• Create Kibana visualizations and dashboards to provide information to users and support staff.
• Develop Kafka system integrations between Elasticsearch/Logstash and other systems, such as Databricks.
• Develop and apply AI/ML and automation capabilities.
• Assist with the deployment, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, updates/upgrades of Kafka and Elastic clusters and environments.
• Develop automated tests using Ansible, Selenium, JMeter, Junit and/or other applicable tools.
• Develop automated CI/CD build/deployment pipelines using Jenkins, Artifactory, Kubernetes, Docker, Ansible, and Bitbucket.
• Work with an Agile team, attend daily scrums, and demonstrate working software while collaborating with a geographically distributed (remote) team.
• Troubleshoot and resolve installation, infrastructure, and system issues.
• Proactively and independently identify, report, monitor, and mitigate technical risks.
• Frequently communicate and collaborate with other team members to ensure successful completion of project objectives.

What You’ll Bring (Required)

• Citizenship & Clearance: Must be a U.S. citizen. Ability to obtain an interim Secret DoD Security clearance prior to your start date is required (selected candidates will be sponsored for the required clearance).
• Education: Currently pursuing a degree in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Data Science.
• Technical Foundation: Software development experience with Python, Java, and SQL, and a working knowledge of HTML and JavaScript.
• Version Control: Experience with distributed version control software such as Git and Bitbucket.
• Platform Knowledge: Experience developing software on a UNIX command line platform.
• Teamwork: Strong communication skills that enable proactive and effective collaboration with a virtual team.
• Location: This position is primarily remote, but regular, on‑site support at Scott AFB, IL or Ft. Meade, MD is mandatory for periodic project milestones. Candidates must have reliable transportation and the capability to report on‑site to their designated facility within a reasonable timeframe when requested by management.

What We Want (Desired)

• Certifications: Obtaining a CompTIA Security+ certification (or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT II certification) before the start date is strongly encouraged.
• Hands‑On Experience: Full software lifecycle experience (design, development, test, deployment), especially in a containerized environment (Kubernetes/Docker).
• Familiarity with:
  • Web development using UI frameworks like React.
  • Designing and building DevOps pipelines with tools like Bitbucket, Jenkins, and Ansible.
  • Developing software in a cloud environment (AWS is a plus).
  • Atlassian tools, including JIRA and Confluence.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and concepts (large language models, predictive analytics) to support the development of self‑healing and auto‑ticketing capabilities.

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

Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00

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.