Hardware Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Research Internship (Summer 2027)

Battelle; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work options

Flexible schedules

Networking events

Job summary

Battelle is seeking a Hardware Reverse Engineering/Vulnerability Research Intern for Summer Semester 2027 in Columbus, OH. You will work on reverse engineering embedded hardware, participate in vulnerability research, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in a casual lab environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on learning, a strong hardware foundation, and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cyber projects within Battelle’s cyber engineering group.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in Associate, Bachelor or Master degree program in CS/CE/EE or related field.
• At least 1-year of college coursework completed in hardware.
• Reading datasheets and applying component knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Mission Focused Tools to improve reverse engineering and embedded system development capabilities.
• Support the latest Mission Focused Tools Unit’s research and development programs.
• Learn and improve reverse engineering and vulnerability research skills through project work and team activities.
• Complete assigned technical tasks with minimal supervision within time/budget constraints.
• Work independently and with cross-disciplinary teams; communicate ideas clearly.

Skills

Firmware development

C/C++/Rust

Disassemblers

Computer architecture

Reverse engineering

Electronics lab

Reading datasheets

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in CS/CE

Tools

Logic analyzer

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

IDA Pro

Ghidra

Binary Ninja

Job description

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

At Battelle, interns and co-ops make an impact through hands-on learning and exciting and challenging projects. Our interns are an integral part of the teams they support and will feel like they are a true, valued team member. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

A brighter future is possible with you.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Hardware Reverse Engineering/Vulnerability Research Intern for the Summer Semester 2027. This position is onsite, located in Columbus, OH.

Do you like solving the hardest computing problems in the world, working on research projects you are passionate about, and competitive Table Tennis and bumper pool? Battelle may be the company for you.

Battelle Cyber Engineers solve the toughest Computer Science problems in the world. We work in small agile teams to push the bounds of computing technology. Our high-powered computer labs include specialized software and hardware, so our engineers have everything they need to invent new Cyber solutions.

Our team is casual. We usually wear t-shirts and jeans. We are a close-knit group and enjoy participating in social activities outside of work. Whether it is visiting local restaurants, bowling, Korean BBQ, or paintball we always have a good time.

Battelle is committed to its employee’s professional growth. We encourage new ideas with our large Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program where engineers work on projects they are passionate about.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Mission Focused Tools to improve reverse engineering and embedded system development capabilities, integrating hardware, software, and reverse engineering tasks
• Support the latest Mission Focused Tools Unit’s research and development programs
• Learn and improve your reverse engineering and vulnerability research skills through project and team building activities
• Conduct and / or participate in assigned technical tasks and activities with minimum supervision and within time and budget constraints.
• Work independently and effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment; Effectively communicate ideas with other engineers; and work with minimal supervision

Key Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or any other related field of study
• Must have at least 1-year of college level coursework completed HARDWARE EXPERIENCE
• Common passive and active components (resistors, capacitors, timers, ICs, etc.)
• Laboratory tools (Logic analyzer, oscilloscope, multimeter)
• Reading datasheets
• Experience writing and debugging microcontroller firmware in C, C++, or Rust
• Fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and experience working with computer assembly languages (x86, x64, ARM, MIPS, PowerPC)
• Familiarity with disassemblers/decompilers (IDA Pro/Free, Ghidra, Binary Ninja)
• Interest in one or more of the following areas:
• Computer Network Defense (CND), Computer Network Operations, Information Operations, and/or Cyber Operations Electrical engineering, microelectronics, and embedded systems Reverse Engineering, Vulnerability Research/Discovery
• Traditional electronics lab equipment supporting test and debug activities
• Reverse engineering embedded hardware and software
• Analyzing disassembled code
• Ability to demonstrate good organization, communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills
• Must be a sole US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to apply learned cyber skills to real life scenarios (internships, hack-a-thons, cyber security clubs, CTFs, etc.)
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience with one or more of the following areas:
• High level software languages such as Java, C#, or Python
• Low level debug tools such as GDB, OllyDbg, WinDbg, or Immunity Debugger
• Microcontroller design and assembly languages
• Embedded communications protocols (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, etc.)
• Wireless communications protocols (BLE, Wi-Fi, LoRA, etc.)
• Fault injection tools and techniques (ChipShouter, ChipWhisperer, Silicon Toaster, EMFI, LFI/OFI, etc.)

Compensation Data

The salary range for this role is $20.00 - $40.00 per hour, in addition to a $2,000 housing stipend for students relocating more than 50 miles from home and university. Internship pay is benchmarked against national averages taking into consideration a student's major and year in school.

Preparing You for Career Success

The Battelle intern and co-op program is a great way to increase experience both on a team and as an independent contributor. Ninety-eight percent of internship survey respondents said they felt better prepared to enter the workforce after their Battelle internship and 100% said they were treated with respect by their colleagues.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Become the next generation of scientific leaders and business professionals

Are you ready to help solve the most important challenges of today and tomorrow?

If so, we are ready to support you with:

• Flexible work schedules: Most teams follow a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Employee Resource Groups that help cultivate an inclusive and welcoming community
• Social and professional networking events with Battelle Senior Leadership and your colleagues
• Opportunities for philanthropic involvement to give back and make an impact in the community

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers