Cyber System Exploitation Co-Op (Jan - June 2027) - Group 05-59

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA, is seeking a Cyber System Exploitation Co-Op for Jan–June 2027. You will join the Cyber System Assessments Group to conduct research and development related to compromise detection for IoT devices, building skills in web services and novel detection techniques.

The role emphasizes hands-on work with Linux, Python, Django, React, and Docker, with opportunities for hybrid work.

Qualifications

• Candidate must be a junior/senior undergrad or grad in CS/CE/EE/Math/Physics.
• Hands-on experience with Linux OS internals and Python.
• Familiarity with IoT security concepts or exploitation techniques is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct R&D related to IoT compromise detection.
• Develop web services to support detection techniques.
• Create novel methods for detecting device compromise.
• Research trends in IoT device exploitation.

Skills

Linux internals

Git

Docker

Exploitation techniques

Python

Django

React

Technical writing

Education

Undergraduate or graduate degree in CS/CE/EE/Math/Physics

Tools

Git tooling

Job description

Cyber System Exploitation Co-Op (Jan - June 2027) - Group 05-59

Date: Sep 18, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Cyber System Assessments Group performs software and hardware reverse engineering, vulnerability research and discovery, and system exploitation. We develop and prototype cutting-edge capabilities for our operational partners in the U.S. government. We look for, find, and demonstrate cyber vulnerabilities so that vulnerabilities in U.S. systems can be corrected, and so that vulnerabilities in other systems are better understood. U.S. Government leaders rely on us for our expert guidance, and our technical role with our U.S. Government sponsors is considered essential to the success of their missions.

As a Cyber System Exploitation Co-Op, you will work with a team of experts to conduct research and development related to compromise detection for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Your project will build your technical skills and experience through several lines of effort, including web service development, creation of novel techniques for compromise detection, and research into current trends in IoT device exploitation.

Desired technical skills:

• Linux OS internals
• Git
• Docker
• Common exploitation techniques
• Python
• Django
• React
• Technical writing/presentation

This position will be filled for co-op projects that run from Jan - June, 2027. There is an opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement for this co-op.

Requirements

Candidates must be a junior or senior undergraduate, or a graduate, degree candidate in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Math, Physics, or similar technical program.

Compensation

• Technical Co-Op: $25 - $32 per hour (based on year in school)
• Administrative Co-Op: $23 - $27 per hour (based on year in school)

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID:43313

Nearest Major Market: Boston

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