By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. 

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.

Internship Learning Objectives:

• Gain practical experience applying DevSecOps principles in enterprise and cloud based environments.
• Learn how AI/ML techniques can support security automation, anomaly detection, and operational efficiency.
• Develop skills in infrastructure as code, containerization, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers in an Agile development environment.
• Build a portfolio of real-world contributions to automation, security, and system reliability.

• Work under the guidance of senior engineers to support DevSecOps and automation initiatives.
• Assist in developing scripts, tools, or lightweight AI/ML models to improve monitoring, alerting, or security workflows.
• Participate in code reviews, design discussions, and team stand-ups to gain exposure to engineering best practices.
  Conduct research on emerging AI/ML techniques applicable to cybersecurity and DevSecOps use cases.
• Contribute to prototype development, proof-of-concept solutions, and internal tooling.
• Document findings, experiments, and implementations clearly for team knowledge sharing.
• Ability to perform many duties involving DevSecOps functions including, but not limited to, authoring and maintaining automation deployment and monitoring scripts, developing and maintaining security controls and systems, managing virtualized and containerized assets, creating virtual and physical network configurations, servers, communications, and test and developer engineering support.
• Support the design, integration, test and initial deployment of a variety of applications in an enterprise Kubernetes environment using modern tools and patterns.
• Be a results-oriented contributor as part of a team of engineers focused on providing an automated DevSecOps environment and supporting the automation of all aspects of system configuration and deployment.
• Must be able to author and maintain scripts in a variety of languages.
• Must be able to author and maintain documentation pertaining to DevSecOps processes and automation.
• Administer and utilize the overarching configuration management tools and processes to ensure efficient and accurate tracking of baselines.
• Analyze real world problems and implement solutions that leverage industry best practices and improve the productivity of the overarching team.

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
• Basic understanding of at least one programming or scripting language (e.g., Python, Bash, or similar).
• Foundational knowledge of Linux operating systems.
• Familiarity with software development concepts such as version control (e.g., Git).
• Exposure (coursework or projects) to one or more of the following:
  • Cloud computing (AWS, Azure, or similar)
  • Containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Cybersecurity principles
  • Machine learning or data analysis
• Strong willingness to learn, take direction, and work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Coursework or academic projects in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or data science.
• Experience with Python libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, or similar.
• Familiarity with applying AI/ML to cybersecurity problems (e.g., anomaly detection, log analysis).
• Exposure to DevSecOps tools such as Kubernetes, Terraform, or Ansible through coursework or personal projects.
• Participation in hackathons, research projects, or open-source contributions.

• Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The above is intended to describe the general contents of and requirements for the performance of this job.

CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise.  Our benefit package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
• Wellness Program
• 401(k) Matching
• Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Education & Training
• Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

CESI is committed to principles of inclusion and equal employment opportunity.  We foster a non-discriminatory, professional work environment for all our teams.  We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

• Work will primarily be in an office environment onsite.
• Candidate may need to lift equipment weighing up to 20 lbs.