Entry Level Cyber Security Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview
OSC Technical Solutions is offering an opportunity for a highly motivated and curious Cyber Security Intern to join our cybersecurity team supporting the Department of Energy Hanford Site in Richland, Washington. This entry-level role is designed for students eager to gain practical, hands-on experience across multiple cybersecurity disciplines in a critical federal environment. The intern will rotate through and contribute to vulnerability management, security operations, governance and compliance, and security awareness activities, gaining broad exposure to the tools, processes, and regulations that define federal cybersecurity programs. This is an excellent opportunity to learn alongside experienced professionals, develop foundational skills, and contribute to the protection of national assets and sensitive data.
This is a full-time internship (30-40 hours per week) and is expected to continue until the completion of the participant's academic program.
Major Activities (Typical Duties/Responsibilities)

• Assist with the execution of vulnerability scans across systems and networks; help analyze scan results, identify common vulnerabilities, and support prioritization of remediation efforts.
• Contribute to the tracking and reporting of vulnerability findings and remediation status through POA&Ms, ticketing systems, or enterprise GRC platforms.
• Support research on new and emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and security advisories to inform the vulnerability management program.
• Assist in monitoring and analyzing security events and alerts within the Security Operations Center (SOC) environment; support identification and initial triage of security anomalies under senior analyst supervision.
• Participate in security compliance assessments and audits, supporting documentation and evidence gathering to demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
• Assist in the development, review, and update of cybersecurity awareness training materials, including presentations, newsletters, and phishing simulation campaigns.
• Help coordinate logistics for security awareness campaigns and training sessions; support communication efforts promoting cybersecurity best practices across the organization.
• Contribute to the development and documentation of cybersecurity procedures, standards, and guidelines; assist with general record-keeping for cybersecurity program activities.
• Learn and apply federal cybersecurity policies, standards, and guidelines, including FISMA, NIST SP 800-series, and DOE cybersecurity directives.
• Participate in team meetings, contribute to discussions on cybersecurity initiatives, and observe and learn from experienced cybersecurity professionals.
• Perform other duties as appropriate and as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles, including common vulnerability types, threat categories, and fundamental security concepts.
• Familiarity with computer networking fundamentals, operating systems (Windows and/or Linux), and general IT principles.
• Good interpersonal skills: ability to work effectively and cooperatively with all levels of management and staff; exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others.
• Superior organizational, follow-up, and detail-oriented skills.
• Strong ability to analyze information and document findings clearly and accurately.
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team with minimal supervision.
• Ability to make observations, ask questions, and exercise sound judgment when escalating issues.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and contribute effectively across multiple concurrent tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including attention to grammar, spelling, and professional presentation.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• High degree of sensitivity regarding confidential information.

Physical Abilities

• Sufficient fine motor skills for the use of computers, calculators with an ability to withstand repetitive keyboarding for extended periods of time.
• Visual and communications ability adequate to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to kneel, bend and twist at the waist on an occasional basis.
• Ability to reach below shoulder height with regular frequency (desk position) and at or above shoulder height on occasion.
• Ability to push, pull, carry and lift objects weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis, and greater weights on an occasional basis.
• Ability to travel by vehicle or aircraft, and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle

Minimum Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree program in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated interest in cybersecurity and a desire to learn and grow in the field.
• Ability to pass a background and drug screening.
• Must have identification compliant with the Real ID Act at time of hire.
• US citizenship required.
• Must reside within the US; work cannot be performed from outside the US.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and standards such as NIST SP 800-53, FISMA, or DOE cybersecurity directives.
• Exposure to security tools such as vulnerability scanners (e.g., Nessus, Tenable), SIEM platforms, IDS/IPS systems, or GRC tools.
• Basic knowledge of networking protocols, log analysis, or scripting (e.g., Python, PowerShell).
• Any relevant coursework, personal projects, CTF participation, or self-study in cybersecurity.
• Relevant certifications or certification pursuit such as CompTIA Security+, Google Cybersecurity Certificate, or equivalent.

Pay Range: $21.00-$32.50/Hourly
Benefits: OSC Technical Solutions offers excellent benefits for eligible employees. Benefits include paid holidays, paid time off, 401k with employer match, dental, vision, health insurance plans through the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program, as well as life and disability benefits.
OSC Technical Solutions does not discriminate, and the company provides equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital status, pregnancy or parenthood, handicap or disability, genetics, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. OSC Technical Solutions adheres to all federal, state and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and will not discriminate against you in violation of these laws. OSC Technical Solutions reserves the right to apply CIRI Shareholder preference to qualified Shareholders in employment and advancement opportunities.
OSC Technical Solutions participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Reasonable Accommodation:
OSC Technical Solutions will provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with OSC Global, LLC or any of its subsidiaries, please email recruiting@ciri.com.
Important Employment Notice: Federal Contract & RCW 49.44.240:
Due to our status as a federal contractor operating within the State of Washington, all applicants and employees must adhere to federal law, which classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance.
While Washington State's RCW 49.44.240 (which generally prohibits employers from discriminating against an applicant based on their lawful use of cannabis off-site and during working hours) is state law, it does not supersede federal requirements.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Disqualification

• Prohibition: The use, possession, or distribution of cannabis is strictly prohibited for all employees, regardless of state law.
• Testing: Applicants will be subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes testing for cannabis.
• Disqualification: A positive test result for cannabis will result in immediate disqualification from consideration for employment, as mandated by our federal contract obligations.

All applicants must be able to comply with all federal regulations, including those concerning controlled substances, as a condition of employment.
In compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Hanford Field Office (HFO) direction, employees issued initial badges on or after September 1st, 2025, are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation encompasses multiple areas of eligibility and includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.