Information Security - Engineering Intern - Summer 2026 - Arlington, VA

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

Information Security - Engineering Intern - Summer 2026 - Arlington, VA

This role is not eligible for Mastercard’s work authorization sponsorship. As such, candidates must be eligible to work in the United States, now as well as in the future, without employer sponsorship. For example, students or recent graduates in the United States on an F1 visa (including those with CPT or OPT authorization) are not eligible for this role.


Overview
Mastercard works to connect and power a sustainable and inclusive global economy. We are a vehicle for commerce, a connection to financial systems for the previously excluded, a technology innovation lab, and the home of Priceless®. We ensure every employee has opportunity to be a part of something bigger and to change lives. We believe in connecting everyone to endless, priceless possibilities.


About the Team
The Corporate Security team at Mastercard operates with a mission-first, people-always ethos, integrating strategic foresight, technical depth, and cultural resilience to safeguard the enterprise. The organization spans a wide array of functions, from threat and vulnerability management, cryptographic services, and AI security to regulatory compliance, physical security, and employee access management. The Corporate Security approach is holistic and business-aligned, emphasizing risk-based control testing, cloud security modernization, and proactive human risk reduction. The team fosters transparency and engagement through all-hands meetings, benchmarking sessions, and culture conversations, reinforcing a unified and accountable security culture across global offices.


Internship Program
Mastercard’s summer internship program provides emerging talent with projects that will enhance skills as well as contribute to the department’s goals and objectives. In this program, you will participate in:
- Networking events, mentorship opportunities, and hear from senior leaders
- Volunteer and team building opportunities
- Formal performance assessments
- End-of-summer presentations to peers and Mastercard leadership


Role Description
The Information Security Engineer Intern supports Mastercard’s mission to safeguard systems and data through hands-on involvement in cybersecurity initiatives. This role typically includes assisting with the implementation of security monitoring procedures and contributing to the development of technical documentation and project deliverables. Interns gain exposure to regulatory compliance frameworks (e.g., PCI, GDPR), authentication protocols, and vulnerability management practices. The position emphasizes collaboration with engineering and business teams, analytical thinking, and a growing understanding of secure architecture and governance. Interns may also engage in automation efforts, threat modeling, and the use of tools like Splunk and CyberArk.


Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program majoring in Cyber Security or a related field with a graduation date of December 2026 or beyond
- Have earned, or is pursuing a certification in a cyber security discipline/tool
- Experience or education with digital forensics
- Preferred past participation in Capture the Flag events
- Preferred experience working with Splunk
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Excellent communication skills, ability and willingness to tackle complex problems

Mastercard is a merit-based, inclusive, equal opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disabled or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We hire the most qualified candidate for the role. In the US or Canada, if you require accommodations or assistance to complete the online application process or during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] and identify the type of accommodation or assistance you are requesting. Do not include any medical or health information in this email. The Reasonable Accommodations team will respond to your email promptly.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;

• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;

• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and

• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.

In line with Mastercard’s total compensation philosophy and assuming that the job will be performed in the US, the successful candidate will be offered a competitive base salary and may be eligible for an annual bonus or commissions depending on the role. The base salary offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Mastercard benefits for full time (and certain part time) employees generally include: insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance); flexible spending account and health savings account; paid leaves (including 16 weeks of new parent leave and up to 20 days of bereavement leave); 80 hours of Paid Sick and Safe Time, 25 days of vacation time and 5 personal days, pro-rated based on date of hire; 10 annual paid U.S. observed holidays; 401k with a best-in-class company match; deferred compensation for eligible roles; fitness reimbursement or on-site fitness facilities; eligibility for tuition reimbursement; and many more.