INTERNSHIP: Cybersecurity Engineering & IR Intern (Hybrid Work Schedule)
Role summary
Virginia Retirement System (VRS) is seeking a high-energy Cybersecurity Intern to join their Security Engineering team in Richmond, Virginia. This paid internship offers hands-on experience with enterprise-grade defense tools, focusing on analyzing live threats and building automated security solutions. Responsibilities include SIEM operations using Splunk, supporting incident response, implementing security controls, threat hunting, and vulnerability management. The role requires foundational SIEM experience, understanding of the Incident Response Lifecycle, knowledge of networking protocols, and basic scripting skills. A hybrid work schedule is in place, requiring three days in the office and two days remote.
- 5102591
- Richmond, Virginia, United States
- Virginia Retirement System
- Information Technology
- Paid Intern
- Closing at: Apr 8 2026 - 23:55 EDT
- Virginia Retirement System
Title: INTERNSHIP: Cybersecurity Engineering & IR Intern (Hybrid Work Schedule)
State Role Title: Paid Intern
Hiring Range: $25/hour
Pay Band: UG
Agency: Virginia Retirement System
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Agency Website: varetire.org
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties:
VRS is seeking a high-energy Cybersecurity Intern to join our Security Engineering team. This role is designed for a student who wants to move beyond theory and get hands-on with enterprise-grade defense tools. You will assist in defending our infrastructure by analyzing live threats and building automated security solutions. You will learn about compliance, proper communications for SecOps teams, and build relationships with vendors, peers, and employees.
- SIEM Operations: Use Splunk to monitor network traffic, analyze system logs, and create custom dashboards for real-time threat visibility
- Incident Response: Support the IR team during active security events, assisting with the containment of threats and performing root-cause analysis
- Security Engineering: Help design and implement security controls, such as automated alert triggers and firewall rules, to strengthen our defensive posture
- Threat Hunting: Participate in proactive "hunts" to identify anomalies or hidden persistent threats within the environment
- Vulnerability Management: Assist in scanning infrastructure for weaknesses and coordinating with IT teams to ensure timely patching
Minimum Qualifications:
- The Intern will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree, or master's degree in a cybersecurity, information assurance, computer science or related field (from an accredited college or university)
- Foundational experience with SIEM platforms; searching, SPL, or dashboard creation)
- Strong understanding of the Incident Response Lifecycle; preparation, detection, containment, eradication, and recovery, etc.).
- Knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS), and basic scripting for task automation
- The successful candidate must also have the following key competencies: project management skills, ability to prioritize tasks and work independently, ability to meet deadlines on multiple projects, attention to detail and accuracy, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, excellent organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to maintain confidentiality; and a professional, positive demeanor.
Additional Considerations:
Experience with Splunk platform, preferred
Experience with Python, and/or PowerShell, preferred
Progress toward or completion of CompTIA Security+, GSEC, or similar, preferred
Special Instructions:
\*VRS is unable to provide sponsorship, for this position\*
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Currently, this position has a hybrid work schedule - requiring work in the office three days per week, and work remotely two days per week. The selected candidate must be able to work in the office any day of the week as required by the manager, and per the agreed upon internship schedule.
*\*This is a temporary/wage position; therefore, benefits are not provided.\**
Contact Information:
Name: Human Resources
Email: careers@varetire.org
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.