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Vulnerability Assessment Internship Jobs in Virginia

R&D Engineer Intern

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

This internship will concentrate on researching and developing adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to conduct system vulnerability assessments and enable security hardening support ...

Junior RF Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$127K - $155K/yr

This role provides foundational experience in electromagnetic effects, RF vulnerability assessment ... internship, or academic project). * Experience using modeling, simulation, or data analysis tools ...

Junior RF Analyst

Springfield, VA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

This role provides foundational experience in electromagnetic effects, RF vulnerability assessment ... experience, internship, or academic project).* Experience using modeling, simulation, or data ...

This role provides foundational experience in electromagnetic effects, RF vulnerability assessment ... internship, or academic project). * Experience using modeling, simulation, or data analysis tools ...

$53K - $108K/yr

... internships, or personal projects * Experience using Microsoft Office tools, including Word ... vulnerability assessment, threat analysis, or security monitoring * Ability to identify and solve ...

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Vulnerability Assessment Internship information

What is a vulnerability assessment internship?

A Vulnerability Assessment Internship is an entry-level position where interns assist cybersecurity teams in identifying and evaluating security weaknesses within an organization's systems, networks, and applications. Interns may use specialized tools to scan for vulnerabilities, analyze findings, and help recommend remediation steps. This role provides hands-on experience in cybersecurity practices, exposure to real-world threats, and helps build foundational skills for a career in information security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vulnerability assessment intern?

To thrive as a Vulnerability Assessment Intern, you need a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, cybersecurity principles, and basic programming, typically supported by coursework or relevant certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH. Familiarity with tools such as Nessus, Nmap, and Wireshark is important for performing vulnerability scans and analyzing security data. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for accurately identifying security weaknesses and clearly reporting findings to help protect organizational assets.

What are some common challenges faced during a vulnerability assessment internship, and how can interns overcome them?

Vulnerability Assessment Interns often encounter challenges such as understanding complex network architectures, staying updated on emerging security threats, and effectively using various scanning tools. Interns can overcome these hurdles by actively seeking mentorship from experienced team members, participating in regular knowledge-sharing sessions, and dedicating time to hands-on practice with industry-standard tools. Being proactive in asking questions and documenting findings also helps build confidence and technical expertise throughout the internship.

What is the difference between Vulnerability Assessment Internship vs Penetration Testing Internship?

AspectVulnerability Assessment InternshipPenetration Testing Internship
CertificationsBasic security certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+)Advanced certifications (e.g., OSCP, CEH)
Work EnvironmentAssist in vulnerability scans and report findingsSimulate attacks to identify security weaknesses
Industry UsageCommon in cybersecurity teams for initial assessmentsUsed for in-depth security testing and validation

Vulnerability Assessment Internships focus on identifying security weaknesses through scans and reports, while Penetration Testing Internships involve actively exploiting vulnerabilities to test security defenses. Both roles are essential in cybersecurity but differ in scope and techniques used.

What are popular job titles related to Vulnerability Assessment Internship jobs in Virginia?

For Vulnerability Assessment Internship jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vulnerability Assessment Internship jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Vulnerability Assessment Internship jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Vulnerability Assessment Internship jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Vulnerability Assessment Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Vulnerability Assessment Internship job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Part Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

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Re-posted 5 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Cyberspace Operations Research Department Internship

We are searching for a motivated undergraduate student to join the Cyberspace Operations Research Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This internship will concentrate on researching and developing adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to conduct system vulnerability assessments and enable security hardening support to various sponsors.

Typical focus areas include:

  • Research state-of-the-art techniques for vulnerability detection, system exploitation, and technical mitigations
  • Develop scripts and applications to automate processes
  • Design experiments and set up test environments
  • Conduct experiments and execute demonstrations
  • Testing of representative systems under simulated real-world conditions
  • Data collection, analysis, and reporting of experimental results
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challenges
  • Develop and optimize prototypes for critical applications
  • Research and document emerging technologies
  • Participate in technical presentations and discussions

Interest skills and experience areas include:

  • Familiarity with basic system vulnerability and exploitation concepts
  • Basic knowledge of engineering concepts and the scientific method
  • Basic proficiency in Linux-based environments
  • Proficiency in programming and scripting languages (C, Python, bash, PowerShell)
  • Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, and technologies

You will work up to 20 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters and have the opportunity to work up to 40 hours/week over the summer. This is a paid internship opportunity, and location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA, or Reston, VA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Relocation and housing are not provided.

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.


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