Security Software Engineer Internships
Security software engineer internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience in threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and secure system design, alongside mentorship from working engineers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Roles are concentrated across Technology & Software, with HP, Tesla, and Microsoft among the employers posting roles now.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Security Software Engineer Internships
Description -
About the Role
HP IQ’s Security Team is creating something the world has never seen before. We are attempting something truly impactful — innovating at the deepest levels of hardware and launching a service that will inspire users to experience computing in an entirely new way. Privacy and security are not just priorities; they are fundamental to our product and essential to our success.
What You Might Do
We are seeking a software engineering intern ready to take on the challenge of securing users’ devices, users’ data, and HP IQ’s infrastructure. We see security as the key to accomplishing what other companies cannot. If you thrive at balancing exceptional user experiences with strong security, this is the place for you.
Essential Qualifications
- Pursuing a degree (Bachelors or Graduate) in Computer Science or related technical field
- Strong software engineering skills
- Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment
- Interest in privacy & security
- Interest in product design & development
- Experience with C, C++, Java or Python
Preferred Skills
- An understanding of security concepts (cryptography, access control, authorization, network security, software security)
- Ability to “think paranoid” as a basis for threat modeling
Hourly Pay Range: $40.00–$50.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, qualifications, and experience.
2027 Internship Program Dates: May/June–August/September 2027. Final dates will be based on student schedules.
Compensation & Benefits (Full-Time Employees)
The salary range for this role is listed above. Final salary offered is based upon multiple factors including individual job-related qualifications, education, experience, knowledge and skills.
At HP IQ, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Long term/short term disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Generous time off policies, including; 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure11 paid holidays Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave ( US benefits overview )
Job -
AdministrationSchedule -
Full timeShift -
No shift premium (United States of America)Travel -
Relocation -
Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) -
HP, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prospective employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, uniformed service status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state, and local law(s).
Please be assured that you will not be subject to any adverse treatment if you choose to disclose the information requested. This information is provided voluntarily. The information obtained will be kept in strict confidence.
For more information, review HP’s EEO Policy or read about your rights as an applicant under the law here: “ Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal "
Description -
About the Role
HP IQ’s Security Team is creating something the world has never seen before. We are attempting something truly impactful — innovating at the deepest levels of hardware and launching a service that will inspire users to experience computing in an entirely new way. Privacy and security are not just priorities; they are fundamental to our product and essential to our success.
What You Might Do
We are seeking a software engineering intern ready to take on the challenge of securing users’ devices, users’ data, and HP IQ’s infrastructure. We see security as the key to accomplishing what other companies cannot. If you thrive at balancing exceptional user experiences with strong security, this is the place for you.
Essential Qualifications
- Pursuing a degree (Bachelors or Graduate) in Computer Science or related technical field
- Strong software engineering skills
- Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment
- Interest in privacy & security
- Interest in product design & development
- Experience with C, C++, Java or Python
Preferred Skills
- An understanding of security concepts (cryptography, access control, authorization, network security, software security)
- Ability to “think paranoid” as a basis for threat modeling
Hourly Pay Range: $40.00–$50.00 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills, qualifications, and experience.
2027 Internship Program Dates: May/June–August/September 2027. Final dates will be based on student schedules.
Compensation & Benefits (Full-Time Employees)
The salary range for this role is listed above. Final salary offered is based upon multiple factors including individual job-related qualifications, education, experience, knowledge and skills.
At HP IQ, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Long term/short term disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Generous time off policies, including; 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure11 paid holidays Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave ( US benefits overview )
Job -
AdministrationSchedule -
Full timeShift -
No shift premium (United States of America)Travel -
Relocation -
Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) -
HP, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prospective employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, uniformed service status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state, and local law(s).
Please be assured that you will not be subject to any adverse treatment if you choose to disclose the information requested. This information is provided voluntarily. The information obtained will be kept in strict confidence.
For more information, review HP’s EEO Policy or read about your rights as an applicant under the law here: “ Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal "
Security Software Engineer Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
Tips for Your Security Software Engineer Internship Search
Apply for summer roles in the fall
Large employers, defense contractors, major tech firms, and financial institutions, open summer security software engineer internship applications as early as August or September. Waiting until spring means competing for whatever remains after structured cohorts have already filled. Set reminders for early fall and check posting dates before assuming a role is new.
Build a portfolio that recruiters can actually open
At the intern level, a linked GitHub repository matters more than work history. Document two or three complete projects, a network scanner, a CTF write-up, a custom intrusion detection rule set, with a README explaining what the tool does and why you built it. Recruiters assessing security software engineer candidates want proof you can ship working code, not just list tools.
Work your campus network and apply directly at the same time
Campus career fairs surface structured internship programs tied to your university, and professors with industry connections often know which security employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Apply directly to companies running smaller cohorts in parallel, not every security team fills through formal campus pipelines, and reaching both channels widens the pool you can realistically land in.
Practice your technical screen out loud before you apply
Security software engineer intern interviews typically include a coding screen covering data structures, algorithms, and sometimes basic cryptography or systems concepts. Practice solving problems out loud and explaining your reasoning step by step, interviewers weight how you think through a problem as heavily as whether you reach the correct answer, so silent typing practice alone won't prepare you.
Target structured security internship programs early
Larger employers run formal cohort programs, rotational security engineering tracks, university-hire programs, and SOC analyst pipelines, built specifically to train people new to the field. These programs recruit weeks or months before general internship postings appear, fill fast, and give structured mentorship that ad-hoc internships often don't. Identify the programs that fit your interests and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 100% of the security software engineer internships listed here. Decide what you can commit to, fully remote, hybrid, or on-site, before you start sorting through listings. Filtering by work type and location up front on Migrate Mate keeps you focused on roles you can actually accept rather than spending time on postings that won't work logistically.
Security Software Engineer Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a security software engineer internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. A linked GitHub repository with documented security tools, CTF challenge write-ups, or a home-lab setup gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where security recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a security software engineer internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for security software engineer interns is performance on real work, closed vulnerabilities, shipped features, completed threat models, combined with team headcount at offer time. Position yourself by treating every project as production-quality work without counting on a standing offer at the end.
When should I apply for security software engineer internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers, defense contractors, major tech firms, and financial institutions, recruit summer security software engineer interns the preceding fall, with application windows opening as early as August or September. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round and checking regularly pays off.
Are security software engineer internships paid?
Most professional security software engineer internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, government contractors, large tech firms, and financial services companies tend to pay more than nonprofits or very small startups. Listings show compensation where the employer discloses it, so you can compare before applying.
What should a security software engineer internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history: two or three complete, documented projects naming the tools used and linking to the work, a GitHub repository with a security scanner, a CTF write-up, or a home-lab configuration file gives reviewers something role-specific to evaluate. Add relevant coursework in networks, cryptography, or operating systems, and keep the whole document to one page.
Are there remote security software engineer internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 0% of the security software engineer internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they attract candidates nationwide, so apply early once you decide you can commit to a fully distributed setup, and use the work-type filter to surface them without sorting through every listing.
What is a security operations center (SOC) analyst internship?
A SOC analyst internship is a structured, entry-level rotation where interns monitor live alert queues, triage security events, and support incident response under senior analyst supervision. These programs target candidates new to security operations, recruit earlier than general openings, and are competitive, identifying programs at employers that run formal SOC cohorts and applying in the first wave improves your odds.
Can international students get security software engineer internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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