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 Tesla, HP, and TikTok among the employers posting roles now.
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Description
Software Engineer Intern: 2027 Enterprise Technology & Security Summer Internship Program
Calling all emerging technologists!
Looking to gain practical, hands-on experience in the field of software engineering? The Enterprise Technology & Security Summer Internship Program is a critical program within Enterprise Technology & Security Services that helps passionate early career professionals gain real-world exposure to groundbreaking technology.
This Internship program begins in late May 2027, and will be based out of one of our headquarters in Johnston, RI, Phoenix, AZ, or Plano, TX
Software Engineer Track
Software Engineer Interns work collaboratively with Software Engineers to pursue a broad range of initiatives. By using technical skills and a thirst for innovation, interns will enhance software engineering expertise through unique opportunities in an agile environment.
Through hands-on experience in this role, the Software Engineer Intern will:
Gain exposure to designing, developing, and implementing technology solutions while learning modern engineering practices and contributing to applications, components, and tools that support business goals.
Build foundational experience maintaining and enhancing iOS and Android applications.
Develop an understanding of API development by helping build services that support multiple data formats and enable integration across systems.
Strengthen your knowledge of enterprise software architecture by contributing to a microservices framework that supports the development of modern applications.
Develop business and technical analysis skills through researching requirements, maintaining project documentation, and creating progress reports that support project delivery.
Build problem-solving skills by identifying issues and common patterns and contributing to system quality improvements and standard operating procedures.
Gain experience enhancing applications by identifying opportunities for improvement, sharing recommendations, and supporting the design and implementation of solutions.
Learn and apply modern software development practices, including the use of AI-assisted development tools, to improve productivity, enhance code quality, and accelerate solution delivery.
Experience during the program
In this 10-week program, interns will gain a strong understanding of Software Engineer at Citizens. This program also provides mentorship, exposure to senior leadership, and participation in a variety of activities to further develop professional skills, including:
- Orientation and networking with all ETS interns
- Professional development workshops (such as Personal Branding and Communicating with Impact)
- Social activities (such as sporting events and a bank-wide intern BBQ)
- Dedicated community service activities
Life after the program
High-performing interns interested in pursuing a career within Enterprise Technology & Security may be extended an offer to return as a Full-time colleague in our Enterprise Technology & Security Development Program (ETSDP) upon graduation. The ETSDP is a full-time program that helps rising professionals build a meaningful career within software, network/systems, data or cloud engineering, technology risk and security.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications:
Successfully complete a video interview assessment within 4 days of receiving the link. If not completed within the timeframe, your application will be automatically withdrawn from consideration.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Development, or other technology-related degree
- Expected graduation date of May 2028
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- Practical experience building software solutions gained through coursework, internships, or personal projects using one or more of the following technologies: Java, JavaScript, C/C++, Go, Swift, Python, .NET, Node.js, or React.
Preferred qualifications:
- Previous professional exposure to software development and/or engineering.
Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools and a demonstrated interest in leveraging technology to enhance code quality, developer productivity, and problem-solving.
- Experience with CI/CD pipeline (CircleCI, Jenkins, or equivalent)
- AWS/AZURE/GCP experience
Interest in applying technology to solve business challenges within the banking and financial services industry.
Find out more about our Enterprise Technology and Security Early Career Programs HERE
Please note that permanent work authorization in the United States is required. This position is not eligible for CPT, OPT, or visa sponsorship, now or in the future.
Hours and Work Schedule
Hours per Week: 40
Work Schedule: M-F 8:30am - 5pm
Some job boards have started using jobseeker-reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.
Background Check
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the candidate successfully passing a background check, which may include initial credit, motor vehicle record, public record, prior employment verification, and criminal background checks. Results of the background check are individually reviewed based upon legal requirements imposed by our regulators and with consideration of the nature and gravity of the background history and the job offered. Any offer of employment will include further information.
Benefits
We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more.
Awards We've Received
Dave Thomas Foundation’s Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace
Disability:IN World's Top Disability Inclusive Business
Glassdoor
Best Place to Work in Consulting, Finance & Insurance
Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index 100 Award
Newsweek America's Most Charitable Company
The Banker's
US Bank of the Year
Description
Software Engineer Intern: 2027 Enterprise Technology & Security Summer Internship Program
Calling all emerging technologists!
Looking to gain practical, hands-on experience in the field of software engineering? The Enterprise Technology & Security Summer Internship Program is a critical program within Enterprise Technology & Security Services that helps passionate early career professionals gain real-world exposure to groundbreaking technology.
This Internship program begins in late May 2027, and will be based out of one of our headquarters in Johnston, RI, Phoenix, AZ, or Plano, TX
Software Engineer Track
Software Engineer Interns work collaboratively with Software Engineers to pursue a broad range of initiatives. By using technical skills and a thirst for innovation, interns will enhance software engineering expertise through unique opportunities in an agile environment.
Through hands-on experience in this role, the Software Engineer Intern will:
Gain exposure to designing, developing, and implementing technology solutions while learning modern engineering practices and contributing to applications, components, and tools that support business goals.
Build foundational experience maintaining and enhancing iOS and Android applications.
Develop an understanding of API development by helping build services that support multiple data formats and enable integration across systems.
Strengthen your knowledge of enterprise software architecture by contributing to a microservices framework that supports the development of modern applications.
Develop business and technical analysis skills through researching requirements, maintaining project documentation, and creating progress reports that support project delivery.
Build problem-solving skills by identifying issues and common patterns and contributing to system quality improvements and standard operating procedures.
Gain experience enhancing applications by identifying opportunities for improvement, sharing recommendations, and supporting the design and implementation of solutions.
Learn and apply modern software development practices, including the use of AI-assisted development tools, to improve productivity, enhance code quality, and accelerate solution delivery.
Experience during the program
In this 10-week program, interns will gain a strong understanding of Software Engineer at Citizens. This program also provides mentorship, exposure to senior leadership, and participation in a variety of activities to further develop professional skills, including:
- Orientation and networking with all ETS interns
- Professional development workshops (such as Personal Branding and Communicating with Impact)
- Social activities (such as sporting events and a bank-wide intern BBQ)
- Dedicated community service activities
Life after the program
High-performing interns interested in pursuing a career within Enterprise Technology & Security may be extended an offer to return as a Full-time colleague in our Enterprise Technology & Security Development Program (ETSDP) upon graduation. The ETSDP is a full-time program that helps rising professionals build a meaningful career within software, network/systems, data or cloud engineering, technology risk and security.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications:
Successfully complete a video interview assessment within 4 days of receiving the link. If not completed within the timeframe, your application will be automatically withdrawn from consideration.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Development, or other technology-related degree
- Expected graduation date of May 2028
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- Practical experience building software solutions gained through coursework, internships, or personal projects using one or more of the following technologies: Java, JavaScript, C/C++, Go, Swift, Python, .NET, Node.js, or React.
Preferred qualifications:
- Previous professional exposure to software development and/or engineering.
Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools and a demonstrated interest in leveraging technology to enhance code quality, developer productivity, and problem-solving.
- Experience with CI/CD pipeline (CircleCI, Jenkins, or equivalent)
- AWS/AZURE/GCP experience
Interest in applying technology to solve business challenges within the banking and financial services industry.
Find out more about our Enterprise Technology and Security Early Career Programs HERE
Please note that permanent work authorization in the United States is required. This position is not eligible for CPT, OPT, or visa sponsorship, now or in the future.
Hours and Work Schedule
Hours per Week: 40
Work Schedule: M-F 8:30am - 5pm
Some job boards have started using jobseeker-reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.
Background Check
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the candidate successfully passing a background check, which may include initial credit, motor vehicle record, public record, prior employment verification, and criminal background checks. Results of the background check are individually reviewed based upon legal requirements imposed by our regulators and with consideration of the nature and gravity of the background history and the job offered. Any offer of employment will include further information.
Benefits
We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more.
Awards We've Received
Dave Thomas Foundation’s Best Adoption-Friendly Workplace
Disability:IN World's Top Disability Inclusive Business
Glassdoor
Best Place to Work in Consulting, Finance & Insurance
Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index 100 Award
Newsweek America's Most Charitable Company
The Banker's
US Bank of the Year
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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