Cybersecurity Intern

Cybersecurity Intern – Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Projects

The Leidos Cyber Accelerator is at the forefront of innovation, dedicated to redefining how methods, technologies, and scalable solutions are built for the critical domains of Operational Technology (OT), Control Systems (ICS), and Critical Infrastructure. We are actively seeking a talented Cybersecurity Intern to join our team and significantly contribute to cutting-edge OT cyber projects.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an individual with a deep passion for supporting unique research & development (R&D) efforts, from initial prototype development through to the successful deployment of our products and solutions to customers. This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with a diverse team of junior and senior engineers and research scientists, bringing expertise in areas such as machine learning, cybersecurity, IT, reverse engineering, and Cyber AI. The successful candidate will ideally possess foundational experience in industrial control systems, cybersecurity principles, and an understanding of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be effectively applied to enhance security within OT industries.

Primary Responsibilities

• Advanced R&D Support: Directly assist researchers, engineers, and program management in the advanced research and development of modern technologies and capabilities specifically designed for protecting critical infrastructure sectors.
• Lab Environment Management & Expansion: Aid in the continuous operation, strategic expansion, and enhancement of capabilities within multiple sophisticated lab environments that accurately replicate key industrial sectors.
• Strategic Documentation & Business Development Support: Work independently or as a collaborative team member to develop comprehensive documentation and strategic materials. These materials will support business development, inform subject matter experts, and provide leadership with critical insights into the unique cybersecurity challenges facing critical infrastructure and Leidos’ innovative solutions to address them.

Basic Qualifications

• Education: Currently pursuing a Master’s or Doctorate degree in Computer Science or a closely related technical field.
• Cybersecurity Foundations: Demonstrated experience with common cybersecurity concepts, established frameworks, and robust approaches to designing secure systems (e.g., NIST, MITRE, CMMC).
• Programming/Scripting: Practical experience with one or more scripting and/or programming languages, tools, and techniques (e.g., PowerShell, Zsh, Python, C++).
• AI/ML Understanding: A novel understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) technologies and their capabilities.
• Passion for OT Cybersecurity: A strong, self-motivated desire to learn and address the unique challenges facing Operational Technology environments, including Industrial Control Systems (ICS), in applying cybersecurity principles.
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Operating Systems: Strong familiarity with multiple operating systems, including those unique to embedded or other industrial devices (e.g., LINUX, Windows IoT).
• ICS Protocols: Knowledge of industrial control system protocols and functions utilized in at least one major industrial sector.
• MS Office Proficiency: Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Visio, & PowerPoint).

About Leidos: Our Culture & Mission

“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.”

Original Posting Date: November 12, 2025
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

$57,850.00 – $104,575.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and 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.