AI/Automation Development Intern - Assessment & Authorization

Leidos

3d•$48,100 - $86,950

About The Position

Leidos has an opening on its SMIT (Systems Modernization and Information Technology) contract for an AI/Automation Development Intern to work with the Assessment & Authorization (A&A) team. The intern will gain hands-on experience developing AI solutions and automation tools to transform Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes in the cybersecurity authorization domain. The team uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and intelligent automation to improve efficiency, reduce processing time, and enhance security-compliance decision-making. The intern will help build solutions that streamline authorization processes, automate compliance documentation, and support the security authorization lifecycle for mission-critical systems. Work includes developing automation scripts, assisting with AI-enabled tools for RMF analysis and authorization-package processing, supporting AI/ML integration into existing platforms, and maintaining automation tools and compliance tracking systems. The position also involves collaboration with developers and security professionals, documentation, testing, code reviews, data analysis, and quality assurance.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical field; junior or senior standing is preferred.
Scripting experience with one or more of Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, or Bash.
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 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience with AI/ML frameworks and libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, or OpenAI API.
Familiarity with AI-powered coding assistants and tools such as GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, Claude by Anthropic, or 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 such as NIST RMF, FISMA, and FedRAMP, and authorization processes.
Experience with version-control systems such as Git, GitHub, or GitLab.
Understanding of API development and integration, including REST and GraphQL.
Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud and their AI/ML services.
Experience with data-visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar.
Knowledge of database systems (SQL or 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 such as Xacta, eMASS, or Archer.
Strong interest in emerging AI technologies, automation trends, and cybersecurity.
Experience integrating AI assistants into development workflows and automation pipelines.

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 compliance-documentation automation.
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 in the authorization lifecycle.
Document technical specifications, user guides, and process workflows for automation solutions.
Participate in code reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of 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 decision-making.
Support maintenance and enhancement of automation tools, dashboards, and compliance-tracking systems.
Help automate repetitive tasks involving security-control documentation, evidence collection, and authorization-status reporting.