Verisign helps enable the security, stability, and resiliency of the internet. We are a trusted provider of internet infrastructure services for the networked world and deliver unmatched performance in domain name system (DNS) services.
We are a mission focused, values driven company where each individual can contribute to building a stronger, more secure internet. We offer a dynamic and flexible work environment with competitive benefits and the ability to grow your career.
POSITION: Graduate Internships; Summer 2026
Verisign Labs is seeking highly motivated graduate student summer interns to collaborate with our research scientists on subject areas related to our research portfolio. Verisign is a global leader in operating critical internet infrastructure. We are responsible for the operational accuracy and stability of .COM and .NET, a number of other top-level domains, maintaining the cryptographic material for the DNSSEC global root cryptographic key (the root “KSK”), and operating two of the Internet’s DNS root servers; answering over 450 billion queries daily. This entails exciting basic research issues relating to Internet systems that include routing, domain names, and many other aspects of Internet security. Verisign Labs is Verisign’s applied research organization that conducts basic and applied research using the wealth of Internet-scale DNS, routing, and security data that is associated with our role.
Summer project topics allow interns to apply and expand their expertise in the challenging and unique research setting offered by Verisign. The goal of these summer internships at Verisign is to contribute to interns’ graduate experience and interests. While working collaboratively and closely with Verisign researchers and mentors, students will be responsible for exploring novel research challenges and are expected to be self-motivated and independent in their daily work.
Past years’ intern work has resulted in conference/journal publications, internal product advancements, and intellectual property (i.e., patents). Given Verisign’s broad business capabilities and the diversity of our scientists’ expertise, the Lab seeks interns from a breadth of disciplines. Current projects include DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), inter-domain routing security, privacy/security/stability of these, formal structures of object security protocols (such as secure email, code signing, and other X.509 related security protocols), large scale measurements and evaluations of DNS zone change, DNS traffic analysis, impact of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms on Internet protocols, alternate namespaces, new applications of domain names, and future Internet design.
In addition to research, summer interns at Verisign will be able to participate in social opportunities that include fun networking events and activities with the broader Intern Class; partnerships with our Young Professionals Group; technical talks and speakers’ series about Verisign’s business, technology, and industry; and small talks with senior level company executives.
Responsibilities:
- Work with technology/business leaders on exciting summer research questions.
- Independently propose, develop, and evaluate solutions under the mentorship of a Verisign thought leader.
- Document and present research results in appropriate forums (internal and external).
Qualifications:
- Current enrollment in a US-based PhD or MS degree program in CS or a related field
- Availability for ≈12 weeks of summer
- Involvement in applied/operational research; publications are a significant plus (include a complete CV)
- Experience in one or more of the following technology areas:
- DNS evolution, security, and privacy including the DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC)
- Inter-domain routing research
- Network security research
- Domain name registration and data services
- Internet-scale measurement and analysis techniques
- Blockchain and decentralization technologies
- Cryptographic techniques and protocols
This position is based in our Reston, VA office and offers a hybrid work schedule.
The pay range for this role is $42.00 - $45.00 per hour.
The anticipated pay range for this position is noted above, however, base pay offered may vary depending on level of education, job-related knowledge, skills and experience.
Verisign is an equal opportunity employer. That means we recruit, hire, compensate, train, promote, transfer, and administer all terms and conditions of employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected categories under applicable law.
Additional Information:
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Reasonable Accommodations
Staffing agency policy: No fees will be paid for unsolicited resumes submitted to Verisign or our employees by third parties.
VERISIGN Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about VERISIGN and has not been reviewed or approved by VERISIGN.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes HSA-compatible and PPO options, employer HSA contributions, telemedicine, and on‑demand mental health. Specialized programs extend support for diabetes care, family building, midlife health, and child development, alongside covered preventive care.
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs include Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans with a company match and immediate vesting of matching contributions. Long‑term financial security is further supported through planning resources and savings vehicles.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid time away includes PTO, company holidays, and dedicated family/caregiver leave. Parental bonding leave is provided for birth or adoption, and resources are available for prospective and new parents.
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What We Do
Verisign, a global provider of domain name registry services and internet infrastructure, enables internet navigation for many of the world’s most recognized domain names. Verisign helps enable the security, stability, and resiliency of the Domain Name System (DNS) and the internet by providing root zone maintainer services, operating two of the 13 global internet root servers, and providing registration services and authoritative resolution for the .com and .net top-level domains, which support the majority of global e-commerce.
