Software Engineer Intern

Job Title: Software Engineer Intern
Department: Engineering
Reports to: Manager of Development
Office: Columbia, MD
Work Location: On‑site with a hybrid schedule

Owl Cyber Defense is a leader and trusted partner in cyber security. We deliver solutions that protect and connect the world’s most critical networks. Owl’s product lines of cross domain, data diode, and portable media solutions provide the strongest available security checkpoints for threat prevention and secure data availability. Our in‑depth expertise in security engineering at the operating system level enables us to help government and commercial customers meet ever‑evolving cyber security threats.

As a Software Engineering Intern at Owl Cyber Defense, you will gain hands‑on experience developing secure, Linux‑based systems used in Owl’s cross domain and data diode solutions. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will participate in real‑world software development cycles that enhance national and enterprise‑level cyber‑security. This role offers exposure to secure operating system development, networking, and system hardening as part of a hands‑on engineering team.

• Contribute to the design, development, and testing of secure software components in C, C++, Java, Rust or Python.
• Collaborate with software and systems engineers to integrate code into Linux‑based environments.
• Participate in code reviews, debugging, and test execution using Owl’s development standards.
• Support development of secure data transfer software aligned with STIG/CIS best practices.
• Gain exposure to SELinux configuration, systemd unit creation, and secure file handling.
• Develop and execute unit and functional tests to verify software performance.
• Use version control tools (Git) and scripting (Python/Bash) to automate development and test workflows.
• Participate in agile sprints, contributing ideas for process improvement and feature enhancement.

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• Coursework or project experience in software development and Linux/Unix programming
  .
• Familiarity with at least one major programming language (C, C++, Java, Python, or Rust
  ).
• Basic understanding of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP/IP).
• Exposure to software version control (Git) and debugging tools (gdb).
• Interest in secure coding, operating systems, and embedded systems
  .

• Strong problem‑solving and analytical thinking.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Eagerness to learn from mentors and collaborate in a technical environment.
• Adaptable and organized in managing multiple tasks.

• Candidates must be able to obtain/maintain a US Government security clearance.

Owl Cyber Defense Solutions, LLC is a fast‑growing cybersecurity solutions company, holding a firm leadership position in network security and secure information transfer. It is a privately‑owned US company with offices in Columbia, MD, Danbury, CT and Morrisville, NC. For more information, see

Owl Cyber Defense is an Equal Opportunity / Affi­rmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.