Position Title:
Information Assurance (IA) Intern
Clearance Requirement:
Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. security clearance (an active clearance is not required)
Minimum Experience:
Rising Juniors or Above
Employment Type:
Paid Summer InternshipResearch Innovations, Inc. (RII) is breaking through the big, slow, status quo with transformative technology that fundamentally changes and improves the world. We develop cutting-edge software for all levels of the government and military. Using agile development practices and user-centered design, we create innovative software solutions for complex real-world problems.We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented
Information Assurance (IA) Intern
to join our Security team for Summer 2026. This internship offers hands-on exposure to cybersecurity compliance, vulnerability management, and day-to-day IA operations in a fast-paced environment supporting Department of Defense (DoD) and government programs.As an Information Assurance Intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience with the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) through control assessments, documentation, and continuous monitoring. You'll apply federal cybersecurity standards like NIST SP 800-171, DFARS, and CMMC in a defense contractor setting, while developing technical skills in vulnerability scanning, log monitoring, and secure configurations.
The role also involves supporting policy development, incident response activities, and working with ISSMs, ISSOs, and cross-functional teams to understand how security aligns with operations. You will collaborate closely with
Information System Security Managers (ISSMs), Information System Security Officers (ISSOs)
, and the
Industrial Security team
to assist with compliance tracking, continuous monitoring activities, and projects aimed at improving our cyber risk posture.
This position builds on the technical foundation and professional behaviors needed for future full-time roles.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
- Support the Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) program by reviewing logs, running vulnerability scans, and updating documentation.
- Assist with compliance tracking for NIST SP 800-171 and Risk Management Framework (RMF), including collecting control evidence and updating policies.
- Contribute to Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) management by reviewing open items and helping track remediation efforts.
- Help prepare materials for audit readiness activities, including those under DAAPM, JSIG, and CMMC.
- Maintain and improve IA documentation and knowledge bases using tools like JIRA and Confluence.
- Shadow ISSMs and ISSOs to gain experience in system accreditation and security lifecycle management.
- Participate in cybersecurity awareness initiatives and internal training sessions.
- Provide administrative and analytical support for various security-related projects.
WHAT YOU HAVE DONE
- Actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Strong interest in Information Assurance, Risk Management, and Cybersecurity Compliance.
- Familiarity with one or more of the following: NIST SP 800-171, RMF, JSIG, DAAPM, or CMMC.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, deadline-driven environment.
EVEN BETTER
- Prior internship, coursework, or project experience in cybersecurity, risk management, or compliance.
- Exposure to vulnerability management tools (e.g., Nessus, OpenVAS, Qualys).
- Familiarity with project management tools like JIRA, Confluence, or similar platforms.
- Currently pursuing or holding a Security+ or other entry-level cybersecurity certification.
#LI-TC1At RII, we believe that diversity in our workforce is critical to our success. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We work to help your intellectual passions and creativity thrive. It’s one of our core values: Let your geek flag fly.We also offer all employees comprehensive benefits including: flexible work schedules, health insurance coverage, paid time off, 401k with a company match, paid parental leave, access to wellness programs and much more.
You get this all from day one, and all paid for by RII.It’s all part of another of our core values: Stay human. It’s why our comfortable and colorful offices such as our headquarters, include a community game room, pantry, massage chair, and an escape room, among other amenities. It’s why we have community ambassadors and regular community events.Research Innovations, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability status, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses.
These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.Apply for this job
