2026 Internship - Military & Space Cybersecurity Engineer

Description

Do you love learning about and improving the cybersecurity of critical military systems?

We are seeking interns who are enthusiastic about the research and application of cyber resilience techniques to critical military platforms, systems, and networks. Our team works collaboratively with industry, academia, and government to ensure that military aircraft, ships, missiles, and submarines can resist and fight through cyberattack.

As a member of our team, you will...

• Work on state-of-the art areas of research and development such as but not limited to:

• Software Operational Solutions: Design, build, and deploy software to military systems for enhancing cyber resilience and operational readiness, despite advanced cyber threats. This includes the use of AI/ML for anomaly detection in large data sets.
• Cyber Analytics: Development and application of methodologies, processes, and tools that drive cybersecurity decision-making throughout the system lifecycle. This includes modeling, simulation, virtualization, and testing of threats, systems, and missions.
• Engineering Methods: Refinement of Department of Defense (DoD) systems engineering processes to aid in designing military systems that will be resilient to both today and tomorrow's advanced cyberspace adversaries. This includes the development and deployment of capabilities to verify design resilience to deliberate attacks from the most highly capable cyberspace adversaries.

• As part of a team, research capability gaps in current platforms and prototype solutions from a variety of perspectives such as systems engineering, software, hardware, physics, and mathematical modeling
• Work alongside world-class professionals to solve challenges vital to national security
• Gain experience giving technical briefings and presentations on complex cybersecurity engineering topics that you have learned throughout the Summer

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Are pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related fields
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge in at least one of the following: Python, Rust, VHDL, Verilog, C, C , Java, MATLAB, or another popular programming language
• Have an educational background or specialization interest in at least one of the following categories:
  • • Software Operational Solutions: Object oriented programming (Python, C, C , etc.), familiarity with Linux Command Line, containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), database design and querying, logging, and machine learning in data classification and anomaly detection (supervised & unsupervised), or other deep knowledge of data science programming languages
    • Cyber Analytics: Experience with threat assessment, attack frameworks, mitigation strategies, data science, system modeling, and virtualization/containerization technologies
    • Engineering Methods: Experience in requirements verification and validation, writing requirements and mapping them to mission needs or policy, test and evaluation implementation using INCOSE, DOD, NASA, or other standards, and information technology cybersecurity issues
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information (Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship)

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have previous relevant experience in internships, professional roles, or personal work in the field of cybersecurity that:
• Demonstrate ability to learn about and see complex systems from a defender or attacker point of view
• Skills or interest in how to design systems to be resilient against cyberattack
• Have skills working with a wide variety of computer systems
• Linux/Unix operating systems
• Software Application Development experience

• Have skills in offensive or defensive cyber, e.g., experience from university cybersecurity competitions (such as Capture the Flags, Hackathons, Clubs, etc.)
• Have an active security clearance

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at ;br>
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$22.60 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$47.95 Hourly

Employers have access to artificial intelligence language tools (“AI”) that help generate and enhance job descriptions and AI may have been used to create this description. The position description has been reviewed for accuracy and Dice believes it to correctly reflect the job opportunity.