AI/Automation Development Intern - Assessment & Authorization

The SMIT (Systems Modernization and Information Technology) contract at Leidos currently has an opening for an AI/Automation Development Intern - Assessment & Authorization to work with our Assessment & Authorization (A&A) team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in developing cutting-edge AI solutions and automation tools that transform Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes within the cybersecurity authorization domain.

In this mission, we are revolutionizing how our organization handles RMF workflows for system authorization and accreditation by leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and intelligent automation to increase efficiency, reduce processing time, and enhance security compliance decision-making. As part of our A&A team, you will contribute to building innovative solutions that streamline authorization processes, automate compliance documentation, and support the security authorization lifecycle for mission-critical systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automation scripts to streamline RMF processes and A&A workflows
• Assist in the design, development, and testing of AI-enabled tools for RMF analysis, security control assessment, and authorization package processing
• Create and optimize Python, PowerShell, or JavaScript scripts for data extraction, transformation, and automation of compliance documentation tasks
• Support the integration of AI/ML models into existing RMF and A&A tools and platforms
• Collaborate with senior developers, security analysts, and authorization professionals to identify automation opportunities in the authorization lifecycle
• Document technical specifications, user guides, and process workflows for developed automation solutions
• Participate in code reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of automation frameworks
• Conduct testing and quality assurance of automation scripts and AI-enabled applications
• Assist in data analysis and visualization to support RMF and authorization decision-making processes
• Support the maintenance and enhancement of existing automation tools, dashboards, and compliance tracking systems
• Help automate repetitive tasks related to security control documentation, evidence collection, and authorization status reporting

Basic Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field (Junior or Senior standing preferred)
• Must have scripting experience with one or more of the following: Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, or Bash
• Demonstrated ability to write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code
• Basic understanding of automation concepts and workflow optimization
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance (or higher if required)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI/ML frameworks and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, OpenAI API)
• Familiarity with AI-powered coding assistants and tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, Claude by Anthropic, OpenAI Codex)
• Familiarity with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools such as UiPath, Automation Anywhere, or Power Automate
• Knowledge of natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs) for document analysis and generation
• Experience using AI tools for code generation, debugging, and documentation
• Basic understanding of cybersecurity frameworks (NIST RMF, FISMA, FedRAMP) and authorization processes
• Experience with version control systems (Git, GitHub, GitLab)
• Understanding of API development and integration (REST, GraphQL)
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their AI/ML services
• Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
• Knowledge of database systems (SQL, NoSQL) and data manipulation
• Previous internship or project experience in automation, AI development, or cybersecurity
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies
• Understanding of DevOps practices and CI/CD pipelines
• Coursework or certifications in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, or cybersecurity
• Experience with low-code/no-code platforms
• Familiarity with compliance management tools (e.g., Xacta, eMASS, Archer)
• Strong interest in emerging AI technologies, automation trends, and cybersecurity
• Experience integrating AI assistants into development workflows and automation pipelines

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:

Pay Range:

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.