Cybersecurity Intern: Systems Exploitation & RE

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 66,000; Part time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks motivated engineers and cyber researchers for an internship in the Systems Exploitation group. You’ll work on vulnerability research, exploit hardware and software, and reverse engineer embedded systems as part of a team.

Interns typically join a larger team with tasks scoped to the duration of the stay; at the end, interns present their work.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in CS/CE/EE or related discipline.
• Maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Proficient with programming languages such as C, C++, Python, Rust.
• Familiar with reverse engineering tools, software debuggers, and/or static analysis tools (Ghidra, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, Windbg, gdb, etc).
• Comfortable with Linux/Unix operating systems.
• Familiar with one or more assembly languages (x86/x64, ARM, MIPS, etc.).
• Eligible to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by start date; TS/SCI clearance may be required; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Exploit hardware, firmware, and software
• Reverse engineer embedded systems
• Collaborate with teammates to identify vulnerabilities from public disclosures or unknown vulnerabilities
• Aid in the development of proof-of-concept capabilities or extend existing capabilities
• Explore techniques for automating binary analysis and reverse engineering
• Learn from experts in software development, reverse engineering, and vulnerability analysis

Skills

C

C++

Python

Rust

Linux/Unix

Assembly languages

Education

Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Binary Ninja

Windbg

gdb

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks motivated engineers and cyber researchers for an internship in the Systems Exploitation group. You’ll work on vulnerability research, exploit hardware and software, and reverse engineer embedded systems as part of a team.

Interns typically join a larger team with tasks scoped to the duration of the stay; at the end, interns present their work.