R&D Engineer Intern

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

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

Responsibilities include developing automation scripts, designing experiments, and reporting data from tests. The internship is paid with on-site options in Reston, VA or State College, PA, with hybrid arrangements possible

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

Vulnerability concepts

Linux environments

C programming

Python programming

Shell scripting (bash, PowerShell)

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Undergraduate student

Tools

Linux

Job description

Job Description

We are searching for a motivated undergraduate student to join the Cyberspace Operations Research Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This internship focuses on researching and developing adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to conduct system vulnerability assessments and support security hardening for various sponsors.

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.

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.

Position Details

Work up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters and up to 40 hours per week over the summer.

This is a paid internship. Location is fully on‑site in State College, PA, or Reston, VA, with hybrid options available based on project‑dependent ability.

Relocation and housing are not provided.

Background Checks & Clearances

Employment will require successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies. Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance and comply with ARL’s security requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.