Pathfinder

Why Join Pathfinder?

Get the skills, experience, and connections that launch real careers in cybersecurity and defense.

Real DOD Experience

Work on actual defense missions and test scenarios, not classroom simulations.

Career-Ready Skills

Gain expertise in cybersecurity, AI testing, and software test & evaluation.

Mentors in the Field

Learn directly from professionals doing this work every day.

Security Clearance Processing

Get a major career advantage with clearance processing included.

Stand-Out Resume

Build credentials valued by DOD, federal agencies, and defense industry.

Mission-Driven Impact

Apply your skills to protect real systems, networks, and people.

What is Pathfinder?

Pathfinder is a DOD-backed talent pipeline that develops the next generation of cybersecurity and software test & evaluation (T&E) professionals through university partnerships, paid internships, and structured training tied to real DOD missions.

The program that connects students to hands-on DOD cybersecurity and T&E experience through internships, training, and mentorship.

TSMO

The Threat Systems Management Office runs realistic adversary systems and environments so DOD teams can train, test, and evaluate against real-world threats.

Who Is This For?

Pathfinder is designed for students ready to take their first real step into cybersecurity and defense.

This is for you if...

You're curious about cybersecurity, AI, and software, even if you've never done it professionally
You're studying computer science, engineering, IT, or a related field (or want to)
You want hands-on experience, not just classroom theory
You're interested in work that matters beyond a paycheck
You're motivated by impact, mentorship, and clear next steps

How It Works

Choose the path that fits your experience level and goals. Each track offers hands-on learning, expert guidance, and real-world application.

No Experience Needed

Jr. Pathfinder

High School Program

A beginner-friendly program for high school students. No prior cybersecurity experience needed, just basic computer skills and curiosity.

Learn foundations of cybersecurity and why it matters
Computer networking and cryptography basics
Windows and Linux operating system fundamentals
Hands-on offensive and defensive security training
Career guidance and certification pathways
Interactive challenges and real-world scenarios

Paid + Clearance

Internship

Paid Summer Program

Immersive summer internships that put you at the forefront of DOD cybersecurity work with real projects, expert mentorship, and a clear path to employment.

Paid hands-on experience in a dynamic environment
Security clearance processing included
Mentorship from experienced cyber professionals
Certifications: Security+, Pentest+, ISTQB
Cyber or AI/Software Tracks
Clear path to potential DOD employment

Academic Partnership

Research & Development

University R&D Program

Opportunities for students and professors to tackle real-world test & evaluation problems and develop solutions for the Department of Defense.

Address real DOD test and evaluation challenges
Guided by university faculty (PhD or PhD candidate)
Professional technical mentor from Pathfinder
Test agency sponsor for mission alignment
Research integrated into DOD cyber missions
Contribute to the body of knowledge for defense

Why This Matters

Your work through Pathfinder contributes to something bigger than a resume line.

Safeguard Critical Systems

Protect the networks, systems, and infrastructure that keep our nation secure.

Close the Workforce Gap

Help address the DOD's critical shortage of cyber and software professionals.

Apply Skills to Real Problems

Work on challenges that matter, not theoretical exercises, but actual missions.

Build the Next Generation

Join a community of future national security professionals making a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We've got answers.

Pathfinder is open to high school students (Jr. Pathfinder track), undergraduate and graduate students in cybersecurity, computer science, engineering, or related fields (summer/academic internship). We also have R&D opportunities for students working with university faculty.

No prior cybersecurity experience is required for the Jr. Pathfinder track, just basic computer skills and curiosity. The Internship track is designed for students actively studying related fields, though you don't need to be an expert. We'll provide training and mentorship.

The Internship track is a paid summer program for college students, featuring hands-on DOD project work, certifications, and a path to employment. Jr. Pathfinder is designed for high school students and focuses on building foundational cybersecurity skills through interactive learning, no experience required.

That's okay! We welcome students from computer science, engineering, IT, mathematics, and related technical fields. If you have a strong interest in cybersecurity and willingness to learn, your specific major matters less than your motivation.

Yes! The Pathfinder summer internship is a paid opportunity. You'll gain hands-on experience while being compensated for your work.

Absolutely. The internship is typically structured as a summer program to fit academic schedules. Jr. Pathfinder is designed to work alongside high school commitments. R&D projects are coordinated with university faculty to align with your academic work.

Jr. Pathfinder runs 6-8 weeks. The summer internship is typically 7 weeks during summer break. R&D partnerships are flexible and align with your academic timeline and research requirements.

As part of the internship program, we initiate security clearance processing for eligible participants. This is a significant career advantage, as having a clearance opens doors to many DOD and federal opportunities. The process is handled by the program with guidance provided throughout.

No, you don't need an existing security clearance to apply. Clearance processing is included as part of the internship program for those who don't already have one.

Clearance decisions consider factors like criminal history, financial responsibility, foreign contacts, and drug use. Each case is evaluated individually. U.S. citizenship is required. If you have concerns, we can discuss your situation confidentially.

Pathfinder alumni have gone on to positions with the DOD, federal agencies, and mission-focused defense industry companies. The program provides networking opportunities, certifications, and a clear pathway to potential DOD employment. Many participants return for additional opportunities or transition directly into full-time roles.

Many interns receive job offers from DOD, federal agencies, or defense contractors after completing the program. The combination of hands-on experience, certifications, security clearance, and professional network makes Pathfinder alumni highly competitive candidates.

To apply, you'll need to submit a few key documents: a professional resume, an unofficial transcript, a one-page statement about your interest in cybersecurity and the program, an academic recommendation letter, and proof of U.S. citizenship. Don't worry if your resume is still growing, we're looking for potential and passion, not perfection.

To get started, join our interest list by emailing [email protected]. Include your name, current school, area of study, and which track interests you. Our team will follow up with next steps and application details.

Application deadlines vary by program and cohort. Email us to get current deadline information and be added to our interest list for updates.

Start building experience that actually counts.

Ready to launch your career in cybersecurity and defense? Join the Pathfinder community and take your first step toward mission-driven work.

Email Us

Not ready? Email us anyway to sign up for program updates.

From classroom to classified: real cyber work on real DOD systems.