AI/Automation Development Intern

The SMIT (Systems Modernization and Information Technology) contract at Leidos has an opening for an AI/Automation Development Intern to work with the Assessment & Authorization (A&A) team. This role offers hands-on experience building AI solutions and automation tools that improve Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes within the cybersecurity authorization domain.

The team is changing how RMF workflows are handled for system authorization and accreditation by applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, and intelligent automation to increase efficiency, cut processing time, and strengthen security compliance decisions. As part of the A&A team, you will help build tools that streamline authorization processes, automate compliance documentation, and support the authorization lifecycle for mission-critical systems.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain automation scripts to streamline RMF processes and A&A workflows
• Assist in designing, developing, and testing 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 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 across the authorization lifecycle
• Document technical specifications, user guides, and process workflows for automation solutions
• Take part in code reviews and help improve automation frameworks
• Test and perform quality assurance on automation scripts and AI-enabled applications
• Assist with data analysis and visualization to support RMF and authorization decisions
• Maintain and enhance 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 a related technical field (Junior or Senior standing preferred)
• Scripting experience with one or more of: Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, or Bash
• Ability to write clean, maintainable, well-documented code
• Basic understanding of automation concepts and workflow optimization
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• U.S. Citizen required
• 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

Leidos is looking for people who outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo. The company is recruiting people who disrupt, challenge, and refuse to fail.