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Intern Open Source Intelligence Analyst Jobs in Merrifield, VA

Join us and make a difference in Analysis Solutions Business Area! Job Summary: The Open-Source Intelligence Targeter will be responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and developing targets of ...

Join us and make a difference in Analysis Solutions Business Area! Job Summary: The Open-Source Intelligence Targeter will be responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and developing targets of ...

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Intern Open Source Intelligence Analyst information

What is an intern open source intelligence analyst?

Intern Open Source Intelligence Analysts are entry-level professionals who assist in collecting and analyzing publicly available information (open sources) such as news articles, social media, and public records to support security, law enforcement, or business intelligence objectives. They help identify trends, assess threats, and provide actionable insights under the supervision of experienced analysts. These internships are typically designed for students or recent graduates interested in intelligence, security studies, or data analysis, offering hands-on experience in a real-world analytical environment.

What types of projects can an intern open source intelligence analyst expect to work on during their internship?

As an Intern OSINT Analyst, you'll typically work on projects involving the collection, analysis, and reporting of publicly available data to support security or investigative objectives. Daily tasks might include monitoring social media platforms, analyzing news reports, or mapping data from public records to identify trends and potential threats. You'll often collaborate closely with senior analysts and other team members, contributing your findings to larger intelligence reports or presentations. This role offers valuable exposure to real-world intelligence workflows and can provide a solid foundation for a future career in intelligence or cybersecurity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern open source intelligence analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intern Open Source Intelligence Analyst, you need a strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and foundational knowledge of intelligence gathering and research methodologies, often supported by coursework in international relations, cybersecurity, or a related field. Familiarity with OSINT tools like Maltego, social media monitoring platforms, and basic data analysis software is typically required. Strong written communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work independently are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing publicly available information and contributing valuable insights to support organizational decision-making.

What is the difference between Intern Open Source Intelligence Analyst vs Intern Cybersecurity Analyst?

AspectIntern Open Source Intelligence AnalystIntern Cybersecurity Analyst
Required CredentialsRelated certifications like OSINT courses, basic security knowledgeCybersecurity fundamentals, certifications like CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, data analysis, open-source data collectionNetwork monitoring, threat analysis, security tools
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, intelligence firms, private securityTech companies, financial institutions, government cybersecurity teams
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, skills, and career paths in open-source intelligenceLearning about cybersecurity internship opportunities and skills

Intern Open Source Intelligence Analysts focus on collecting and analyzing publicly available information to support intelligence efforts, often working in research-heavy environments. Intern Cybersecurity Analysts concentrate on protecting systems from threats, using security tools and monitoring networks. While both roles involve data analysis and security fundamentals, their focus areas and tools differ significantly.

What cities near Merrifield, VA are hiring for Intern Open Source Intelligence Analyst jobs?

Cities near Merrifield, VA with the most Intern Open Source Intelligence Analyst job openings:

Open-Source Intelligence Targeter

Leidos

Mclean, VA • On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Job Description
Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for an Open-Source Intelligence Targeter in our Intel Sector Analysis Solutions Business Area (ASBA) in McLean, VA. Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management. At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in Analysis Solutions Business Area!
Job Summary: The Open-Source Intelligence Targeter will be responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and developing targets of interest based on open sources, creating detailed targeting packages to guide collection, analysis, and operational efforts.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Providing comprehensive OSINT investigations and targeting packages, including detailed dossiers on identities or networks of interest.
  • Supporting the OSINT needs of the request for information (RFI) function with specialized traces and analysis.
  • Handling high priority taskers for quick-turnaround requests, ensuring executive-level responsiveness.
  • Conducting social network analysis to map relationships, influence networks, and threat actors, with a heavy emphasis on forensic collection techniques (e.g., digital footprint tracing, metadata exploitation, and evidence-based collection).
  • Support cryptocurrency investigations integrated into targeting packages.
  • Open-source geolocation investigations integrated into targeting package.
  • Assessing source reliability and proficiency in cross-verification, bias detection, and countering disinformation.
  • This position may require weekend work or ad hoc/on-call support during non-core hours, and special events support as needed.
  • Ability to query data from Federated OSINT Databases to build comprehensive target profiles.
  • Ability to apply targeting methodologies to produce actionable intelligence.
  • Ability to brief targeting packages to decision-makers and collaborate with collectors/analysts to refine tasks.

Requirements:
  • TS/SCI with Polygraph is required
  • BA degree and 4 - 8 years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 2 - 6 years of prior relevant experience. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience in geospatial targeting systems, such as Google Earth Pro with KML overlays or ArcGIS.
  • Ability to apply targeting methodologies to produce actionable intelligence.
  • Ability to brief targeting packages to decision-makers and collaborate with collectors/analysts to refine tasks.
  • Experience with IC OSINT tools and classified client databases.
  • Experience with publicly available OSINT analysis tools
  • Ability to analyze unstructured data from varied sources to identify trends, patterns, or emerging threats.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and mission-driven environment.
  • Proficient in link-analysis tools such as Analyst Notebook for comprehensive intelligence and target package creation.

Desired Experience Tools and Datasets:
  • InDesign/Adobe, Microsoft suite tools, Palantir Block chain data, Managed attribution browsers, PAI/CAI datasets.
  • Basic scripting (e.g., Python) to automate target identification and enrichment in an unclassified environment.
  • Geolocation data.
  • Blockchain analysis,

At Leidos, the opportunities are boundless. We challenge our staff with interesting assignments that allow them to thrive professionally and personally. For us, helping you grow your career is good business. We look forward to learning more about you - apply today.
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
August 24, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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