Junior Cyber SME Intern

Planned Systems International (PSI) is an Enterprise IT services company who focuses on designing, building, securing, and operating cutting-edge software solutions that drive mission success and operational excellence for Federal Government organizations. PSI is currently hiring for a Junior Cyber SME Internship which is designed for cybersecurity professionals eager to gain hands-on experience in federal/DoD cybersecurity operations. This role provides exposure to real-world security challenges, incident response procedures, threat analysis, and compliance within a federal environment. Interns will work directly with experienced security professionals to develop technical expertise and operational security practices in a high-security context.

The Junior Cyber SME will support Security Operations Center (SOC) activities including monitoring, log analysis, and threat detection.
• Assist in vulnerability assessments and penetration testing under supervision.
• Analyze security events and alerts to identify potential threats and anomalies.
• Support incident response activities and participate in post-incident reviews.
• Document findings and prepare technical reports on security assessments.
• Support federal compliance and security framework assessments (NIST, FISMA, etc.).
• Assist in security policy development and implementation.
• Maintain detailed logs and documentation of all security activities and findings.

• Current enrollment in an accredited college or university (graduating within next 12 months) or recent graduate.
• CompTIA Security+ certification (REQUIRED) or equivalent.
• Active T3 investigation or the ability to obtain and maintain necessary security clearances as required for access to classified information.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to work in a federal/DoD environment with security protocols.

• Active or previous federal/DoD security clearance.
• Prior internship or professional experience in cybersecurity.
• Knowledge of SIEM platforms, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
• Understanding of federal security frameworks (NIST, FISMA, FedRAMP).
• Experience with threat intelligence and threat hunting.
• Linux/Unix and Windows system administration experience.
• Basic Python or other scripting language proficiency.
• Additional certifications (CEH, CISSP, CCNA Security, etc.).
• Demonstrated leadership or team collaboration experience.

PSI offers full-time, benefits eligible employees a competitive total compensation package that includes paid leave, and options for employer sponsored group medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D coverage, legal services, identity theft, and accident insurance. Flexible spending account and health saving account options offer pre-tax savings for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses. The company sponsored 401(k) retirement plan has an employer contribution match that is immediately vested. We invest in the professional growth of our employees through professional courses, certifications, and tuition reimbursement programs.

It is company policy to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination, are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities will be provided. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources by emailing HRDepartment@plan-sys.com, or by dialing 703-575-8400.