R&D Engineer Intern

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; United States; Hybrid; USD 16,531 - 24,796; Part time

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University seeks an motivated undergraduate intern for the Cyberspace Operations Research Department. The role focuses on researching and developing adversarial TTPs to conduct vulnerability assessments and support security hardening for sponsors.

You will explore state-of-the-art vulnerability detection, design experiments, and automate processes with scripts. Work up to 20 hours/week during fall/spring and up to 40 hours/week in summer, on-site in

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 using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Success in environments where communication and organizational skills were crucial.
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary, team-oriented cultures.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, and technologies.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop adversarial TTPs for vulnerability assessments and security hardening.
• Collaborate with sponsors to support system testing and demonstrations.
• Design experiments and set up test environments for evaluation.
• Develop scripts and applications to automate processes.
• Conduct data collection, analysis, and reporting of results.
• Present findings in technical discussions and presentations.

Skills

Vulnerability concepts

Engineering concepts

Linux environments

Programming scripting (C, Python, bash

PowerShell

Microsoft Word Excel PowerPoint

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Undergraduate student

Tools

C

Python

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 will concentrate on researching and developing adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to conduct system vulnerability assessments and enable security hardening support to various sponsors.

Typical focus areas include:

• 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
• Testing of representative systems under simulated real-world conditions
• Data collection, analysis, and reporting of experimental results (Collect data, analyze and report experimental results)
• 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

Interest skills and experience areas include:

• 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 using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, and technologies

You will work up to 20 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters and have the opportunity to work up to 40 hours/week over the summer. This is a paid internship opportunity, and location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA, or Reston, VA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Relocation and housing are not provided.

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines