Computer Security Research Intern - Summer 2027

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 37,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory's Cyber Research and Development internship at the Idaho Falls campus offers hands-on hardware reverse engineering experience, focusing on uncovering vulnerabilities in firmware and software under mentor guidance.

You will disassemble and analyze circuit boards, processors, and embedded systems, document findings, and contribute mitigation strategies while supporting vulnerability assessments on real-world projects.

Qualifications

• Enrolled full time in CS/CE/Cybersecurity/Cyber Operations/Math/Electrical Engineering or related degree
• Minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Current Resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
• Current class schedule and credits
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive environment
• DOE O 142.3B Unclassified Foreign National Access Program requirements

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on hardware reverse engineering to identify vulnerabilities in firmware and software
• Disassemble and analyze circuit boards, processors, and embedded systems
• Document findings and mitigation strategies under the mentorship of senior researchers

Education

Undergraduate student

Masters student

PhD student

Job description

Reporting to the Cyber Research and Development team, you will perform hands on experience in hardware reverse engineering, focused on identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities within firmware and software. Interns will assist in disassembling and analyzing circuit boards, processors, and embedded systems to uncover weaknesses, support vulnerability assessments, and help document findings and mitigation strategies under the mentorship of senior researchers.

This team works a 9x80 schedule onsite at our Idaho Falls Campus. Start date and duration of internship vary based on project and student availability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate freshman-senior, Masters, or PhD student enrolled full time at an accredited college/university studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Cyber Operations, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related degree
• A minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• Authorization to work in the U.S.
• Current Resume or CV
• Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
• Current class schedule and number of credits
• You are required to show a demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
• Applicants are subject to the requirements of DOE O 142.3B, Unclassified Foreign National Access Program.

Compensation

• Undergraduate Internships ($26.94/hour - $32.41/hour)
• Masters Internships ($35.34/hour - $37.73/hour)
• PhD Internships Pre-Candidacy ($36.83/hour - $39.33/hour)
• PhD Internships Post-Candidacy ($38.65/hour - $41.29/hour)
• Multi-Level: Internships are typically multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on degree field and level of education.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, type on a keyboard, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.