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Malware Analyst Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Malware Analyst Intern information

What is a malware analyst intern?

A Malware Analyst Intern assists cybersecurity teams in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating malicious software threats. Responsibilities typically include reverse engineering malware, studying attack techniques, and contributing to threat intelligence reports. Interns use tools like IDA Pro, Wireshark, and sandbox environments to examine malware behavior. This role helps build hands-on experience in cybersecurity and strengthens problem-solving skills.

What are common responsibilities of a malware analyst intern?

As a Malware Analyst Intern, you can expect to assist with tasks such as collecting and analyzing suspicious files, documenting malware behaviors, and supporting the development of detection signatures. You'll likely work closely with experienced analysts, participate in threat research, and contribute to incident response initiatives. This role often involves both independent analysis and collaborative problem-solving within a cybersecurity or SOC (Security Operations Center) team. Such responsibilities give interns hands-on experience with real-world threats and valuable exposure to industry-standard tools and methodologies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a malware analyst intern?

To thrive as a Malware Analyst Intern, you should have a solid understanding of computer science concepts, knowledge of networking, operating systems, and a keen interest in cybersecurity, typically supported by coursework or hands-on experience. Familiarity with tools like IDA Pro, Wireshark, sandbox environments, and scripting languages such as Python is highly valuable. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills that set candidates apart. These competencies ensure you can effectively identify, analyze, and communicate potential threats, contributing to a stronger security posture for the organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Malware Analyst jobs in California?

The most popular types of Malware Analyst jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Malware Analyst Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Malware Analyst Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Malware Analyst Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Intern - Security Researcher - PhD Pipline

Palo Alto Networks

Encino, CA • On-site

$129K - $208K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Security Researcher Intern

At Palo Alto Networks®, we're united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you're ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you're in the right place.

In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us!

We believe collaboration thrives in person. That's why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it's needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

Job Summary

We are looking for a passionate and self-driven Security Researcher Intern to join our Cloud-Delivered Security Services team. As a Security Researcher you will play a critical role in developing and refining security content that powers our next-generation products. You'll work on building and optimizing automation systems to gather and process real-time data, supporting the detection and prevention of malware and other digital threats. Collaborating with experienced security researchers, you'll analyze emerging threats and contribute to robust security solutions. Our Internship Program Our program provides mentorship, hands-on experience, and the opportunity to work on impactful projects. You'll connect with other interns, recent graduates, and seasoned professionals, thriving in an environment that values curiosity, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop an understanding of next-generation firewalls and their application in modern network security.
  • Build and enhance automation systems for efficient data collection and real-time processing to support threat analysis.
  • Apply AI/ML techniques to analyze live network traffic for the detection, analysis, and mitigation of emerging security threats.
  • Research and propose effective network security countermeasures to identify and neutralize various cyber-attack vectors.
  • Proactively collaborate with senior security researchers to analyze adversarial tactics and contribute to the implementation of proactive security protections.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications Currently pursuing a 2-year Master's degree or Doctorate in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with a planned return to school post-internship. Must be authorized to work in the United States. Available for a May or June 2025 start date.

Preferred Qualifications Currently pursuing a Doctorate (PhD) degree. Experience with ML/GenAI techniques (e.g., anomaly detection, deep learning, NLP) and tools (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-Learn). Exposure to malware analysis and participation in Capture-the-Flag (CTF) exercises. Hands-on experience with traffic analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump) or reverse engineering tools. Basic understanding of malware types (e.g., Spyware, Ransomware, Exploits) and common vulnerabilities (e.g., command injection, buffer overflow). Familiarity with key network protocols such as HTTP, SMTP, and FTP. Proficiency in at least one programming language, such as Python or Go.

Compensation Disclosure The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.

$129,100.00 - $208,825.00/yr

We're trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity's status quo. It's simple: we can't accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at accommodations@paloaltonetworks.com.

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship? No. Please note that we will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.