Cybersecurity R&D Intern: Vulnerability Research & Automation

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking an undergraduate intern for the Cyberspace Operations Research Department. The role focuses on researching adversarial TTPs to assess vulnerabilities and support security hardening for sponsors.

You will work up to 20 hours in fall/spring and up to 40 hours in summer, on-site in State College, PA or Reston, VA with project-based hybrid options.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with basic system vulnerability and exploitation concepts.
• Basic knowledge of engineering concepts and the scientific method.
• Basic proficiency in Linux-based environments.
• Proficiency in programming and scripting languages (C, Python, bash, PowerShell).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary, team-oriented cultures.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Research state-of-the-art techniques for vulnerability detection, system exploitation, and technical mitigations.
• Develop scripts and applications to automate processes.
• Design experiments and set up test environments.
• Conduct experiments and execute demonstrations.
• Test representative systems under simulated real-world conditions.
• Collect, analyze, and report experimental data.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challenges.
• Develop and optimize prototypes for critical applications.
• Research and document emerging technologies.
• Participate in technical presentations and discussions.

Skills

C

Python

Bash

PowerShell

Linux

Communication

Teamwork

Willingness to Learn

Education

Undergraduate student

Tools

Git

Job description

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking an undergraduate intern for the Cyberspace Operations Research Department. The role focuses on researching adversarial TTPs to assess vulnerabilities and support security hardening for sponsors.

You will work up to 20 hours in fall/spring and up to 40 hours in summer, on-site in State College, PA or Reston, VA with project-based hybrid options.