Cybersecurity Intern: Year-round

SMUD; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility provider in Sacramento, CA is seeking a Cybersecurity Intern to support various cybersecurity initiatives. The intern will assist in risk assessment, perform technical research, and contribute to the development of security processes. Ideal candidates are full-time STEM students with a strong interest in cybersecurity. This role offers a chance to gain hands-on experience and exposure to real-world cybersecurity situations within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Must be a full-time student registered in a STEM program.
• Must have completed at least 12 units.
• Enrollment in cybersecurity-related courses is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in shaping cybersecurity risk assessment processes.
• Support system-level cybersecurity risk assessments.
• Perform vulnerability research based on hardware/software.

Skills

Cybersecurity knowledge

Technical writing

Research skills

Familiarity with NIST Cybersecurity Framework

Proficiency in modern computer/networking technologies

Education

Full-time STEM student

Relevant major (Cybersecurity or related)

Job description

Cybersecurity employees are a team of innovative professionals with a passion for doing what SMUD does best – keeping the lights on for our community, and we’re looking for people who want to operate in an inclusive atmosphere where collaboration and continuous improvement are our core to how we operate.

The cybersecurity intern position will provide a STEM student an opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to SMUD while gaining valuable cybersecurity work experience.

SMUD's cybersecurity department is continually striving to improve SMUD's cybersecurity risk posture and protect our people, processes, and technology through an organization-wide risk management approach. Our cybersecurity policies and procedures provide a framework to safeguard information and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, and destruction.

The cybersecurity intern may be assigned projects and tasks that include (but are not limited to):

• Assisting SMUD in shaping its cybersecurity risk assessment process
• Supporting system-level and supply chain cybersecurity risk assessments
• Performing technical vulnerability research to determine applicability based on impacted hardware and/or software
• Evaluating vulnerability likelihood and impact to determine technical mitigation strategies
• Assisting in developing security control baselines based on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability requirements of system stakeholders
• Refining SMUD's cybersecurity supply chain risk evaluation process
• Evaluating cybersecurity policy exception requests and helping determine the cybersecurity risk posed to the organization
• Assisting with the development of cybersecurity risk template documentation such as technical security assessment plans
• Performing research into hardening measures for a wide‑variety of technology sets
• Working with our Cybersecurity Awareness, Training, and Education team to help create timely and relevant awareness communications based on recurring or emerging threat intelligence.

The cybersecurity intern will gain experience and exposure to cybersecurity policies and processes as well as real-world cybersecurity risks.

Purpose

Under staff direction, incumbents in this classification are full‑time students in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math program who perform research and analytical tasks for projects and assignments that utilize specific and acquired academic skills and knowledge in alignment with their educational disciplines.

Nature and Scope

The work performed in this classification calls for regular application of analytical and independent research skills. Work is closely related to the employee’s academic major in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs tasks of an analytical or research nature for suitable projects or ongoing assignments which call for specific acquired academic skills and knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math.
• May locate sources of information; collect and organize data.
• Makes computations and analyzes data for degree of confidence and for alternative courses of action.
• May develop computer programs relating to assignments and may code material for established programs.
• May develop written, graphical and/or oral reports.
• May assist staff analysts and technical personnel by performing elements of their work under close supervision.

Required Education

Registration as a full‑time student (minimum of 12 units) at an accredited college or university in a declared curriculum with a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) emphasis that will provide the specific skills and knowledge that will contribute to available work assignments.

Desirable Qualifications

• Major: Cybersecurity or other technology related majors (e.g. Computer Science, Management Information Systems, etc.)
• Junior or Senior standing
• Has taken or is presently enrolled in cybersecurity related courses
• Has technical writing skills
• Proficient with modern computer/networking technologies
• Capable of performing independent technical research and presenting their findings to help shape recommendations
• Familiar with NIST Cybersecurity Framework, the Risk Management Framework, and the 800‑53 Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organizations

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Application Deadline:It is guaranteed that the online system will accept applications until 5 PM by apply‑by date. It is highly encouraged that applications are submitted well before the due date and time mentioned to make sure that it is submitted successfully.

Official SMUD Title:STEM Student Assistant

• Students must be able to commute to the SMUD Offices in Sacramento, CA when requested to come in.
• To have a student position at SMUD, you must not have any relatives working at SMUD.
• Students must be enrolled as a full‑time student, complete and pass at least 12 undergraduate units OR 8 graduate units, and receive at least a 2.0 GPA.
• Currently, SMUD is not hiring candidates for its student internship positions who require sponsorship from an employer either now or in the future. Such sponsorship is not needed for citizens, a U.S. National, a permanent resident, or one granted refuge or asylum status by the U.S. government. Visa holders typically require sponsorship in one form or another at some point in time.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are a part of who we are and how we do things. Supporting efforts that promote pay equality is part of that. Salary placement for the selected candidate will be determined in alignment with the California Equal Pay Act or the applicable MOU. Determination for salary placement of internal candidates will be made without respect to current classification or compensation, and will be based upon the candidate’s qualifications as compared to those performing substantially similar work. In the event there is a guaranteed pay progression outlined in an applicable MOU, the MOU takes precedence.

We recommend you create a SMUD Candidate account through our SMUD Careers page, upload your resume and cover letter to be considered for this and other open position.