Intern - AI/ML Cybersecurity Advisory - Summer 2026

Lumen offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in digital innovation through a 10-week summer internship. Interns learn, network, and advance their careers while helping drive technology forward - embark on your exciting journey with Lumen today

Come join Lumen's fully immersive, 10-week summer internship program. Our interns demonstrate curiosity, innovation, and a passion for advancing technology. We believe that empowering our people and helping them reach their full potential is essential for the long-term success of both Lumen and our customers

Hear from previous interns on the impact this program has had on their career.CLICK HERE!

Intern must be available to work full time (40 hours/week) during the 10-week program

• Program Dates: May 29 - August 7, 2026.
• Location: This position is fully remote / work from home in the continental US.
• Work Authorization: US Work Authorization required for this role.

Program eligibility is contingent on the candidate's commitment to the entire 10-week program. No exceptions will be made

The AI/ML Cybersecurity Intern will assist the Black Lotus Security Group in researching, exploring, and securing emerging AI systems and technologies. This role supports the Cyber Defense Services team in research, testing, and documentation of AI/ML security risks, as well as contributing to the development of defensive countermeasures aligned with industry frameworks such as the NIST AI RMF and Google SAIF.
Interns will gain hands-on research and experience at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

• Support research and testing efforts related to AI/ML security threats such as adversarial attacks, model poisoning, prompt injection, and data leakage.
• Assist in developing and documenting methodologies for AI red-teaming and secure AI lifecycle practices.
• Contribute to the evaluation of AI/ML systems for security vulnerabilities and bias, supporting defensive and mitigation activities.
• Analyze datasets and model outputs for potential integrity and confidentiality concerns.
• Help maintain lab environments and datasets for ongoing AI adversarial testing.
• Participate in discussions and reviews related to responsible AI, fairness, and ethical implications of security testing.
• Prepare documentation, findings, and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with senior analysts, engineers, and researchers in the Cyber Defense Services team.

Required qualifications

• Enrolled at a 4-year accredited college or university, rising senior level education status at the start of the internship.
• Graduating August 2026 - May 2028
• Preferred fields include butnot limited to: Cybersecurity or Information Security

Proficiency and understanding of:

• Coursework or research experience in machine learning, data analytics, or AI fundamentals.
• Exposure to Python, R, or Julia and comfort with scripting for data analysis or ML experimentation.
• Familiarity with basic cybersecurity principles such as threat modeling, secure coding, and vulnerability scanning

AI/ML Specific Interests:

• Demonstrated curiosity in AI/ML security, including adversarial attacks, model poisoning, prompt injection, and data leakage.
• Awareness of responsible AI frameworks (NIST AI RMF, Google SAIF).
• Knowledge of large language models (LLMs), generative AI, and agentic AI architectures.
• Interest in how attackers exploit AI systems and how defenders detect, prevent, or mitigate these risks

Tools and Hands-On Skill:

• Experience or exposure to ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Scikit-learn.
• Familiarity with AI security tools or datasets (e.g., CleverHans, Adversarial Robustness Toolbox, red-teaming labs).
• Comfortable using Git for version control and working within cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
• Ability to use standard cybersecurity tools (Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit) and an interest in adapting them to AI-focused use cases

Mindset and Soft Skills

• Research-driven curiosity-naturally asks, "how could this be broken?" when learning about systems.
• Willingness to experiment and iterate quickly in lab or sandbox environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting technical findings.
• Collaborative attitude and openness to continuous learning.
• Awareness of ethical and privacy considerations in AI security research.

Internship compensation ranges depend on each individual's level of education, geographic location, and experience/qualifications aligned to the role.

Hourly Based Pay Range:
Min: $ 31/hour
Max: $ 46/hour

Once you complete and submit your application, you will be invited to take part in a virtual assessment. This on-demand assessment allows Lumen to better understand how your skills and experiences align to the internship role. You will receive a separate email invitation (please check your spam folder) within 6 hours of applying. To remain eligible for the summer internship program, be sure to finish the video interview within 5 business days of your application.

Application & Interview Timeline

• October - First Round Interviews with top, qualified candidate
• November - Interview panel with work team
• December - All Summer 2026offers will be extended by end of month