Helpdesk IT Support Intern

Are you a college student looking to launch your career in IT and cybersecurity while supporting critical defense missions?

Leidos IT Services supports the Department of the Air Force (DAF), including United States Air Force and United States Space Force personnel and geographically separated units across the National Capital Region (NCR). As a Helpdesk IT Support Intern, you will work alongside experienced enterprise technicians at our Walk-Up Help Desk, gaining hands-on experience troubleshooting computers, setting up hardware, configuring mobile devices, and providing customer support in a government environment.

This internship bridges classroom theory and enterprise IT operations, building practical skills in enterprise networking, system administration, and Defense IT practices.

Primary Responsibilities

• Desktop and Hardware Support: Shadow and assist technicians with setting up, unboxing, testing, and deploying laptops, desktops, monitors, docking stations, and peripherals. Help with basic diagnostic checks and hardware swaps for walk-up customers.
• Customer Service and Walk-Up Desk Operations: Serve as a welcoming first point of contact for users at the walk-up support center. Learn to log, categorize, and track support requests using enterprise ticketing software such as Remedy or ServiceNow.
• Software and Account Basics: Help users with standard applications, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), web browsers, and enterprise tools. Observe senior technicians on basic Active Directory tasks such as password resets and account unlocks, and learn how smart card authentication (CAC) and digital certificates work on a secure government network.
• Mobile Device Setup and Logistics: Support provisioning, unboxing, and inventory tracking of enterprise iOS and Android devices, and help walk users through basic enrollment and troubleshooting.
• Inventory and Asset Management: Help log incoming hardware, update asset tracking records, and prepare retired equipment for disposal or reissue.

Basic Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing an Associate or Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field (Rising Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors considered).
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance (or hold an active clearance). Leidos will guide you through this process.
• Familiarity with Windows 10/11 and Microsoft Office applications.
• Basic understanding of computer hardware components (RAM, hard drives, monitors, cables, ports).
• Strong communication and customer service orientation, comfortable explaining basic technical steps in everyday terms.
• High level of dependability, integrity, and eagerness to learn new technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in customer-facing roles (for example, campus tech support, retail, campus help desk, or tutoring).
• Coursework in networking (TCP/IP, cabling, LAN concepts) or operating systems.
• Experience with or interest in mobile device configuration (Apple iOS and Android).

Work Location and Schedule

• National Capital Region (Pentagon, Joint Base Andrews, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling)
• Full-time or part-time, core business hours 8am-4pm, 10-12 week internship, target start early June 2027
• Limited public transportation options

What This Internship Offers

• Direct Mentorship: Daily guidance from senior systems administrators and network engineers.
• Resume-Building Experience: Real-world enterprise exposure supporting high-profile DoD environments.
• Security Clearance Sponsorship: Opportunity to obtain and use a federal security clearance, useful for long-term growth in government contracting and defense tech.
• Skill Development: Practical familiarity with DoD 8140 compliance, enterprise ticketing, and modern device management.

Leidos is a Fortune 500 information technology, engineering, and science solutions leader working on the world's toughest challenges in defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers.

#AFNCR-LEIDOS

Leidos is looking for people who disrupt, challenge, and refuse to fail, and who move faster than the status quo.