Systems Admin Intern, Arlington VA

Are you looking to connect your classroom work in computer science, systems administration, or cybersecurity with real-world national defense technology? At Leidos, internships are designed to accelerate your career.

Join the Air Force National Capital Region (AFNCR) IT Services team, which supports senior defense leaders and national-level command functions. This is a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where uptime is essential to defense operations. As a Systems Administration Intern, you will work side-by-side with experienced enterprise technicians and system administrators. You will gain hands-on experience troubleshooting computer systems, setting up hardware, configuring mobile devices, and providing customer support in a professional government setting.

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

Primary Responsibilities

• Systems and Hardware Operations: Shadow senior administrators during the setup, testing, and deployment of enterprise servers, workstations, and peripherals. Assist with hardware relocations, cable management, diagnostics, and component upgrades.
• Software Installation and System Maintenance: Learn and assist with deploying and configuring GCCS client and server software on Windows platforms within Active Directory and DNS environments. Observe routine system audits, pre-deployment checklists, and daily health-monitoring scripts.
• Automation and Administration Fundamentals: Gain exposure to PowerShell scripting and automation tools used to configure workstations and pull system reports. Observe Group Policy Objects (GPOs), DHCP configuration, and identity management in an enterprise Active Directory domain.
• Cybersecurity and Vulnerability Management: Learn how DoD patch management and vulnerability remediation work in a secured environment. Shadow the application of patches and security updates to keep systems ready.
• Data Protection and Disaster Recovery Support: Assist with routine backup procedures and learn how continuity and disaster recovery (COOP) plans are structured for high-availability military command systems.

Why Leidos

• Real-World Impact: Hands-on exposure to mission-critical systems that support senior leaders and joint military defense operations.
• Direct Mentorship: Daily guidance from senior systems engineers invested in your technical and professional growth.
• Defense Tech Foundation: Clear pathways toward post-graduation full-time employment, security clearance attainment, and DoD 8140 compliance.
• Skill Advancement: Turn academic theory into experience across Windows Server environments, PowerShell automation, enterprise cybersecurity, and disaster recovery.