Software Engineering Intern (Cyber focus)
Company Description
Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.
Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.
Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.
This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.
Job Description
The Software Engineering Intern will support the Software Engineering and Security teams in integrating vulnerability scanning platforms with Jira ticketing systems, developing automation workflows, and enhancing continuous monitoring capabilities.
This role provides hands-on experience in cybersecurity operations, tool integration, automation development, and applied AI experimentation using tools such as Nessus, Jira, and Ollama.
The intern will evaluate vulnerability scan results, assist in automating reporting and ticket generation, and potentially develop lightweight GUI frontends with Python or other technologies to improve operational workflows.
This position is ideal for a highly motivated student with a strong interest in cybersecurity, automation, DevOps practices, and applied AI tooling.
Responsibilities
Essential functions: SPECIFIC DUTIES, ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Primary Responsibilities:
- Work with software development, test, infrastructure, and security teams to design and prototype automated solutions for vulnerability management
- Integrate Nessus cloud scanning tools with Jira for automated ticket generation and tracking
- Install, configure, and maintain vulnerability scanning software to facilitate system and application scanning
- Perform vulnerability scans and evaluate findings for severity, impact, and remediation guidance
- Develop automation scripts (e.g., Python) to transform scan results into actionable reports and Jira tickets
- Assist in implementing a continuous vulnerability monitoring capability
- Develop GUI frontends (as needed) with Python or related frameworks to streamline interaction with backend automation tools
- Research and experiment with open-source AI models running locally using Ollama and other open-source AI frameworks
- Explore AI-assisted summarization or categorization of vulnerability scan results
- Write clear documentation, processes, and procedures related to implemented tools and workflows
- Generate validation and status reports
- Provide daily progress updates to supervisor and team
Secondary/Support Duties:
- Possibility to develop and integrate with additional tools in the engineering group
- Generate validation reports
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Education/Training:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related technical field
Experience:
- Academic or project experience with scripting or programming (Python preferred)
- Familiarity with Linux and/or Windows system administration concepts
- Exposure to cybersecurity concepts such as vulnerability scanning, CVEs, patching, or risk prioritization preferred
- Experience with APIs, automation workflows, or DevOps tools is a plus
- Exposure to AI/ML concepts or open-source LLM tools is a plus
Knowledge/Skills:
- Strong interest in cybersecurity and automation
- Programming/scripting skills (Python strongly preferred)
- Understanding of REST APIs and data parsing (JSON, CSV, XML)
- Basic understanding of vulnerability management concepts
- Ability to analyze technical findings and propose automation solutions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and be a self-starter
- Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
- Curiosity and willingness to research new tools and technologies
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university during the internship period
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
- Ability to handle sensitive security-related information responsibly
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Demonstrated initiative through academic, lab, or personal technical projects
- This position requires access to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), EAR (Export Administration Regulations), and Department of State or Department of Commerce controlled information and routine access to a cleared facility. Applicant must be a U.S. Person (citizen, green card holder or other permanent resident).
Additional Information
We offer…
Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.
Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.
Smiths Detection is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Equal Employment Opportunity PostersIf you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please email hr-1@smiths-detection.com.
The compensation for this position ranges from $15.00 - $35.00/hr and will vary depending on factors including level of school completed and type of position requirements for skills, whether technical or non-technical. We are committed to ensuring our interns are fairly compensated for their valuable contributions.
If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail stat@smiths.comor call toll-free 877-703-1029. This email and phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Smiths Detection, Inc. participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)