Internship Operational Technology Cyber Security Jobs

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

PLEASE NOTE: SPP is not able to sponsor employment visas or student-work authorizations (STEM OPT) for this position. Please ensure you are eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship prior to applying.

Summer 2027 IT Cybersecurity Internship – Security Analyst

Join Southwest Power Pool (SPP) this summer as an IT Intern and gain hands-on experience in implementing and maintaining the security architecture for IT systems. You’ll work with a variety of IT subject matter experts to help design, implement, and support cybersecurity controls and solutions—both technology- and process-based—ensuring the protection and security of SPP’s information system assets.

As part of the IT Cyber Security Team, you will:

• Collaborate with internal staff on ongoing security concerns, including research, interviews, assessment reports, and management communications

• Manage security tools, appliances, and systems to maintain logical and physical security controls

• Assist with security event monitoring, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing

• Support compliance with internal security controls and external regulatory requirements related to IT security

This internship is a unique opportunity to develop practical cybersecurity skills, gain exposure to enterprise security operations, and contribute to the safety of critical IT systems.

Internship Overview

• Duration: 10–12 weeks, full-time (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

• Format: Onsite internship with rotations to various IT departments as needed

• Compensation: Paid internship with housing available (if needed)

• Engagement: Teaming activities and professional development opportunities outside of regular work hours

• Capstone: Interns will deliver a final presentation showcasing lessons learned and knowledge gained

• Cybersecurity Tools & Systems: Gain hands-on experience with SPP’s IT security tools, systems, and software relevant to cybersecurity operations.
• Project Work: Work on real-world assignments under the guidance of IT leads and supervisors, supporting areas such as vulnerability assessments, incident response, security monitoring, and compliance initiatives.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Collaborate with experienced professionals to help teams meet critical cybersecurity objectives and deadlines.
• SPP Culture & Values: Learn and apply SPP’s Culture, Mission, and Core Values in all projects, contributing to a positive and ethical work environment.

What We're Looking For

• College student entering their senior year working toward a bachelor’s degree or above in Cyber Security, Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or a related field
• 3.0 GPA or higher

• Strong interest in cybersecurity, IT systems, and technology solutions

• An expressed desire to work in the power industry

• Excellent teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Eagerness to learn and contribute to real-world cybersecurity projects

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job successfully.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to make decisions, interpret data, and problem solve.
• The employee frequently is required to stand or sit for extended periods; use hands to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 10 pounds.
• Requires the ability to work and collaborate with managers and employees at all levels to exchange ideas, information, and opinions to facilitate the task.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type, Locations and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a temporary, hybrid summer 2027 internship. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Travel Requirement:

This position requires no travel

SPP is an equal opportunity employer that makes employment decisions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, SPP makes good faith efforts to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process.

 At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - SPP.