Summer 2026
Software Engineering Intern
Posted on 3/9/2026
Smiths Detection Group
1,001-5,000 employees
Produces trace-detection sensors for security
Compensation Overview
$15 - $35/hr
No H1B Sponsorship
Gunpowder, MD, USA
In Person
US Citizenship Required
 Software Engineering (2) |
|---|
| , |
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related technical field
- Academic or project experience with scripting or programming (Python preferred)
- Familiarity with Linux and/or Windows system administration concepts
- Exposure to cybersecurity concepts such as vulnerability scanning, CVEs, patching, or risk prioritization preferred
- Experience with APIs, automation workflows, or DevOps tools is a plus
- Exposure to AI/ML concepts or open-source LLM tools is a plus
- Strong interest in cybersecurity and automation
- Programming/scripting skills (Python strongly preferred)
- Understanding of REST APIs and data parsing (JSON, CSV, XML)
- Basic understanding of vulnerability management concepts
- Ability to analyze technical findings and propose automation solutions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and be a self-starter
- Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
- Curiosity and willingness to research new tools and technologies
- Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university during the internship period
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
- Ability to handle sensitive security-related information responsibly
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Demonstrated initiative through academic, lab, or personal technical projects
- This position requires access to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), EAR (Export Administration Regulations), and Department of State or Department of Commerce controlled information and routine access to a cleared facility. Applicant must be a U.S. Person (citizen, green card holder or other permanent resident)
- Work with software development, test, infrastructure, and security teams to design and prototype automated solutions for vulnerability management
- Integrate Nessus cloud scanning tools with Jira for automated ticket generation and tracking
- Install, configure, and maintain vulnerability scanning software to facilitate system and application scanning
- Perform vulnerability scans and evaluate findings for severity, impact, and remediation guidance
- Develop automation scripts (e.g., Python) to transform scan results into actionable reports and Jira tickets
- Assist in implementing a continuous vulnerability monitoring capability
- Develop GUI frontends (as needed) with Python or related frameworks to streamline interaction with backend automation tools
- Research and experiment with open-source AI models running locally using Ollama and other open-source AI frameworks
- Explore AI-assisted summarization or categorization of vulnerability scan results
- Write clear documentation, processes, and procedures related to implemented tools and workflows
- Generate validation and status reports
- Provide daily progress updates to supervisor and team
- Possibility to develop and integrate with additional tools in the engineering group
- Generate validation reports
- Experience with APIs, automation workflows, or DevOps tools is a plus
- Exposure to AI/ML concepts or open-source LLM tools is a plus
- Exposure to AI/ML concepts or open-source LLM tools is a plus
- Develop GUI frontends (as needed) with Python or related frameworks to streamline interaction with backend automation tools
- Research and experiment with open-source AI models running locally using Ollama and other open-source AI frameworks
Smiths Detection provides sensors and systems that detect weapons, explosives, and other contraband to improve global security. Its product lineup centers on trace and material-detection technology used in security screening—devices and integrated systems that scan for traces or signatures of dangerous materials and raise alerts for operators, often connected to data analysis and monitoring software. The company differentiates itself through its long corporate heritage, its integrated approach spanning detection hardware, software, and global service support, and by expanding capabilities via strategic acquisitions (notably Morpho Detection) and focused maintenance/refurbishment services through Med Graphix to extend the life of deployed equipment. The goal is to help governments and organizations protect people and assets by delivering reliable detection solutions and ongoing lifecycle support that keep security gear operating over time.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Founded
1950
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Japan wins extend Hi-Scan CTiX and iLane deployments through 2027.
- Remote baggage screening cuts connection times and opens cross-border airport workflows.
- Med Graphix acquisition strengthens refurbishment, service, and equipment lifecycle economics.
What critics are saying
- CVC acquisition still needs approvals, delaying execution until second half 2026.
- Airport customer concentration makes lost hub contracts immediately visible in revenue.
- CT scanner commoditization and AI-layer displacement pressure pricing and control.
What makes Smiths Detection Group unique
- Global #1 aviation security with 47 of the top 50 airports.
- Combines hardware, digital algorithms, and automated detection workflows.
- Strong field service base with over 1,100 engineers worldwide.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Your Connections
People at Smiths Detection Group who can refer or advise you
Benefits
Health Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Remote Work Options
Hybrid Work Options
Flexible Work Hours
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Conference Attendance Budget
Professional Development Budget
Stock Options
Company Equity
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↓ -4%1 year growth
↓ -4%2 year growth
↓ -4%Smiths Group plans PS1.5 billion return as interim profit declines. Friday, March 20, 2026 Smiths Group PLC on Friday posted a decline in both interim profit and revenue, and revised its full-year revenue growth outlook following the reclassification of Smiths Detection. The London-based engineering company reported £126 million in pretax profit for the six months that ended January 31, down 17% from £152 million a year prior. Driving the weaker earnings was a 1.0% top line contraction, as revenue fell to £915 million from £924 million. Chief Executive Roland Carter described 2026 as a 'significant year of progress' for the company, as it seeks to 'reposition Smiths towards higher growth and higher returns markets'. Smiths said it plans to return an additional £1.5 billion to shareholders through 2027, through a combination of a structured return and a further buyback programme. The company said it will utilise proceeds from the sale of Smiths Detection, adding that this capital return is in addition to the 2026 £1 billion buyback that is underway. In December, Smiths announced the sale of Smiths Detection to funds advised by CVC Capital Partners PLC at an enterprise value of £2.0 billion. Also in December, it agreed to sell its connectivity products and solutions business, Smiths Interconnect, to Molex Electronic Technologies Holdings LLC, at an enterprise value of £1.3 billion. On Friday, Smiths declared an interim dividend of 15.00 pence, up 5.4% from 14.23 pence. Looking ahead, Smiths provided an updated outlook to its financial 2026 guidance, following the reclassification of Smiths Detection as discontinued operations. The company sees organic growth for the financial year of 3% to 4%, down from 4% to 6% guided previously. Smiths reported revenue of £2.92 billion in financial 2025. Shares in Smiths fell 5.5% to 2,222.00 pence on Friday morning in London. 'Following the completion of the disposals, Smiths will be a focused, premium industrial engineering company. Our strategy is delivering significant value and supporting enhanced, sustainable returns, alongside our continued investment into Smiths, and commitment to a further £1.5 billion of returns to shareholders,' added CEO Carter.
Smiths Detection has enabled the launch of an automated International Remote Baggage Screening System between South Korea and the United States, led by Incheon International Airport Corporation. The system allows US Customs and Border Protection to screen checked baggage remotely before passengers land, eliminating traditional reclaim-and-recheck processes and reducing connection times by up to 20 minutes. The platform uses Smiths Detection's SecurePort-IRBS-K software with 22 licenses, integrated with HI-SCAN 10080 XCT computed tomography systems at Incheon's Terminal 2. Currently operational on the Atlanta route since August 2025, the system will gradually expand to Minneapolis, Seattle, Los Angeles, Detroit and Salt Lake City. The deployment represents the first fully automated, DICOS-based baggage screening workflow between two sovereign countries.
CVC announces acquisition of threat detection and security screening technology company Smiths Detection for £2 billion. CVC, a private markets investment firm, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Smiths Detection, a threat-detection and security-screening technology company for airports and critical infrastructure, from Smiths Group plc. Headquartered in the UK, Smiths Detection employs 3,400 people, including over 1,100 field service engineers and over 500 R&D professionals and operates from facilities across Europe, the US and Asia. The business has a global #1 position in aviation security - i.e. screening technology for carry-on bags, hold luggage, and air cargo at airports - where it serves 47 of the world's top 50 airports, with both industry-leading hardware and sector-leading digital capabilities, including automated detection algorithms. Smiths Detection also serves other critical infrastructure end markets such as urban security (screening systems for government and commercial buildings, public venues and spaces) and ports and borders (cargo and vehicle inspection) and the business has a leading niche chemical threat identification capability for defense end markets. Dominic Murphy, a Managing Partner and Co-Head of the UK private equity team at CVC and Conor Keogh, Managing Director at CVC, said: "Smiths Detection's industry-leading threat detection and security screening technologies play a crucial role in helping protect people and critical infrastructure worldwide. We look forward to supporting the business during the next phase of its growth and development through continued investment in technology innovation, high-quality engineering and best-in-class aftermarket service." James Mahoney, Partner and Head of CVC's private equity activities in the Aviation, Defence & Space sectors added: "We are excited to partner with Jérôme de Chassey and his team. Smiths Detection's strong market positions, anchored by its global leadership in aviation, create a compelling platform for long-term value creation." The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the second half of 2026. Barclays acted as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins acted as legal counsel to CVC. The investment will be made through CVC Capital Partners IX.
HSBC Holdings has appointed Brendan Nelson as group chair following a selection process that considered internal and external candidates. Nelson, who joined HSBC's board in 2023 and served as interim chair since October, previously worked at KPMG and held board positions at BP and Royal Bank of Scotland. Smiths Group has agreed to sell Smiths Detection to funds advised by CVC Capital Partners for an enterprise value of £2 billion. The London-based engineering firm expects net cash proceeds of around £1.85 billion, with completion anticipated in the second half of 2026. Combined with the recently announced sale of Smiths Interconnect, the transaction repositions Smiths as a focused industrial engineering company. The firm intends to return a large portion of proceeds to shareholders.
Former TSA administrator joins Smiths Detection board. Smiths Detection Inc. has appointed former Transportation Security Administration (TSA) administrator John S Pistole to the board of directors for Smiths Detection US. Pistole brings more than three decades of public service and national security leadership to the company. He previously served as deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 2004 and TSA administrator from 2010, leading approximately 60,000 employees and overseeing security operations at more than 450 US airports. In his role as an outside director on the board, Pistole will provide strategic guidance in areas such as global security risk, screening innovation, regulatory engagement and transportation infrastructure protection. Pistole holds a bachelor of arts degree, cum laude, from Anderson University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Indiana University Robert H McKinney School of Law.