Software Engineer Intern

Owl Cyber Defense • Morrisville, NC

21d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Software Engineering Intern at Owl Cyber Defense, you will gain hands-on experience developing secure, Linux-based systems used in Owl’s cross domain and data diode solutions. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will participate in real-world software development cycles that enhance national and enterprise-level cybersecurity. This role offers exposure to secure operating system development, networking, and system hardening as part of a hands-on engineering team.

Requirements

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Coursework or project experience in software development and Linux/Unix programming .
• Familiarity with at least one major programming language ( C, C++, Java, Python, or Rust ).
• Basic understanding of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP/IP) .
• Exposure to software version control (Git) and debugging tools (gdb) .
• Interest in secure coding, operating systems, and embedded systems .
• Candidates must be able to obtain/maintain a US Government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Eagerness to learn from mentors and collaborate in a technical environment.
• Adaptable and organized in managing multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, development, and testing of secure software components in C, C++, Java, Rust or Python.
• Collaborate with software and systems engineers to integrate code into Linux-based environments.
• Participate in code reviews, debugging, and test execution using Owl’s development standards.
• Support development of secure data transfer software aligned with STIG/CIS best practices.
• Gain exposure to SELinux configuration, systemd unit creation, and secure file handling.
• Develop and execute unit and functional tests to verify software performance.
• Use version control tools (Git) and scripting (Python/Bash) to automate development and test workflows.
• Participate in agile sprints, contributing ideas for process improvement and feature enhancement.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern