Cybersecurity Graduate Intern - Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Summer Institute - Summer 2027

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday Pay

Sick leave accrual

Individual 401(k) contributions

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) invites graduate students to join the Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Summer Institute (CSI) for hands-on cybersecurity projects. The 2027 program runs May 17–Sept 24, with flexible start/end dates and opportunities to work with lab experts on national security initiatives.

You will explore topics such as intrusion detection, malware analysis, software tool development, and AI/ML applications, presenting results in seminars and posters.

Qualifications

• Continuing college or university student pursuing a graduate degree.
• Ability to apply computational science and mathematical principles to problems.
• Demonstrated coursework or experience in ML/AI, cybersecurity or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and/or research support on cybersecurity and infrastructure projects.
• Assist with software/hardware or OS testing, documentation, and lab experiments.
• Conduct research in areas like network analysis, intrusion detection, malware analysis, and threat characterization.
• Attend on-site seminars and training weekly and present work in poster sessions.

Skills

C/C++

Java

Python

Machine learning AI

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Education

Graduate student in good standing

Tools

Matlab/Simulink

Wireshark

Ghidra

Docker

NMAP

Job description

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have multiple openings for graduate students to join the Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Summer Institute (CSI) and to work on topics related to cybersecurity that align with LLNL’s national security missions. The 2027 CSI program will run during the summer with a range of start dates between May 17, 2027, and June 21, 2027, and flexible end dates through September 24, 2027. CSI is designed to provide selected candidates an opportunity to apply their skills to projects in areas of national importance such as the development and implementation of cybersecurity tools and capabilities to mitigate advanced threats and the cybersecurity of civilian and defense critical infrastructure. The program will include opportunities to participate in professional and technical development activities with lab Subject Matter Experts, network with fellow interns and lab employees, and learn about the breadth of LLNL’s support to US national security.

In this role, you will

• Provide technical and/or research support to projects in the areas of cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and other related fields working with scientists, engineers, and technical staff members.
• Support documentation, testing, creation or modification of Laboratory software, hardware or computer operating systems.
• Conduct research under limited direction and supervision in one or more of the following areas, as assigned:
  • Network/protocol analysis
  • Intrusion detection
  • Reverse engineering
  • Incident response
  • Malware analysis
  • Systems programming
  • Threat, risk, and/or attack characterization and analysis
  • Operational Technology/Industrial Control Systems cybersecurity
  • Software tool development
  • Artificial intelligence/machine learning
• Perform technical assignments of a basic degree of complexity and provide technical support to scientists in scientific research and development projects.
• Attend relevant on-site seminars and training classes (at least one per week).
• Present work through presentations and/or poster sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be a continuing college or university student in good standing at an accredited institution pursuing a graduate degree.
• Ability to apply computational science and/or mathematical principles to solve technical problems.
• Demonstrated academic achievement in scientific curriculum.
• Experience applying advanced computational science and/or mathematical principles to solve technical problems.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Ability to present and communicate concepts and ideas.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Demonstrated exposure through coursework or relevant experience to one or more of the following topics: machine learning and artificial intelligence; network/protocol analysis; intrusion detection; cryptography; reverse engineering; incident response; malware analysis; systems programming; threat, risk, and/or attack characterization and analysis; Operational Technology/Industrial Control Systems cybersecurity; software tool development.
• Coursework or experience in one or more of the following topics: network/protocol analysis; intrusion detection; cryptography; reverse engineering; incident response; malware analysis; systems programming; threat, risk, and/or attack characterization and analysis; Operational Technology/Industrial Control Systems cybersecurity; software tool development; machine learning and artificial intelligence.
• Effective programming skills in C/C++, Java, or Python.
• Demonstrated exposure through coursework or relevant experience to some of the following tools: Matlab/Simulink, Wireshark, Ghidra, Binary Ninja, IDA Pro/Free, Zeek/Corelight, Splunk, Docker, NMAP, Suricata/Snort, Security Onion, Cuckoo, FTK, ELK, GDB, WinDBG/x64DBG/Immunity, IDS/IPS.

Qualifications We Desire

• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Pay

$10,215 Monthly

Please note that the pay is determined by California’s Computer Professional Exemption.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Holiday Pay
• Sick leave accrual
• Individual 401(k) contributions
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

None required. However, this position involves U.S. Export Control; this work must be performed by a U.S. person (U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. national, or U.S. protected individual (e.g., refugee, asylee)).

If your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process. This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check. (This process does not apply to foreign nationals).

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.