Undergraduate / Graduate (Spring / Summer) Intern - Cyber Security Research – 5G

NLR; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 58,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) employer match

Relocation assistance (where eligible)

Job summary

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) in Golden, CO invites undergraduates and graduates to apply for an internship in Cyber Security Research focused on 5G/6G networks. You will help build RIC rApps, xApps, and dApps, while developing NWDAF analytics and AI-powered network automation.

You will work on cloud-native microservices, AI pipelines, and real-time data analysis, collaborating with cross-functional teams to validate designs and results.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time student in a related field (CS/SE/AI/EE).
• Strong programming skills in Python, Go, Java, or C++ and Linux familiarity.
• Experience with AI-driven systems and data analytics pipelines (e.g., Kafka, Prometheus, Grafana).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement RIC applications: rApps, xApps, and dApps.
• Develop NWDAF analytics functions for monitoring, prediction, anomaly detection, and optimization.
• Build AI/ML models for network intelligence (forecasting, classification, RL, root-cause analysis).
• Implement closed-loop automation workflows using AI and RIC interfaces.
• Develop cloud-native microservices using containers and Kubernetes.

Skills

Python

Go

Java

C++

Linux

AI/ML

Education

Undergraduate student

Graduate student

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Prometheus

Grafana

Kafka

Job description

Posting TitleUndergraduate / Graduate (Spring / Summer) Intern - Cyber Security Research – 5G.LocationCO - Golden.Position TypeIntern (Fixed Term).Hours Per Week40.Working at NLRNLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.Job DescriptionThe National Laboratory of the Rockies’ (NLR) cybersecurity research is strengthening our grid against tomorrow's threats. The selected intern would join the Cyber Mission Assurance team to support research efforts within the Cybersecurity Research Center’s portfolio including:Characterization of the potential for U.S. electric grid disruption from natural hazards and human threatsAssessment of the cybersecurity of distributed energy systemsStrengthening the resilience of the U.S. electric gridThe Cyber Mission Assurance team is looking for talented Software or AI Engineering interns to help build intelligent, data-driven applications for 5G and emerging 6G networks. This internship focuses on developing RIC rApps, xApps, and dApps, along with NWDAF-based analytics, enabling closed-loop automation and AI-powered optimization across the RAN and core network.Interns will work on cloud-native, microservice-based systems that apply machine learning and advanced analytics to real network data, contributing to next-generation autonomous networks.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and implement RIC applications :rApps (non-real-time optimization and policy-driven automation)xApps (near-real-time RAN control and optimization)dApps (distributed and domain-specific intelligent network functions)Develop and enhance NWDAF analytics functions for performance monitoring, prediction, anomaly detection, and optimizationBuild AI/ML models for network intelligence (forecasting, classification, reinforcement learning, root-cause analysis)Implement closed-loop automation workflows using AI insights and RIC control interfacesDevelop cloud-native microservices using containers and KubernetesIntegrate with O-RAN and 3GPP interfaces (A1, E2, O1, service-based APIs)Process and analyze large-scale, time-series and streaming network dataCollaborate with cross-functional teams on design, testing, and validationDocument software designs, experiments, and technical resultsWhat you will learn:End-to-end development of RIC rApps, xApps, and dApps in 5G/6G systemsPractical implementation of NWDAF-based analytics and AI pipelinesApplying AI/ML to closed-loop network automationBuilding telecom-grade, scalable cloud-native softwareInsights into 6G intelligence, autonomous networks, and standardization trends.Basic Qualifications\"Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution.Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor’s degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master’s degree program from an accredited institution.Post Graduate: Earned a master’s degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.Graduate + PhD: Completed master’s degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.Please Note:• Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts, as part of the application process.• If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process.• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.\"* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.Additional Required QualificationsCurrently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, AI/ML, or a related fieldStrong programming skills in Python, Go, Java, or C++Demonstrated knowledge or experience in software engineering principles, data structures, and algorithmsExperience working in Linux-based environments, command line, and networkingDemonstrated knowledge and/or experience with AI-driven systems, distributed software, and telecom networksKnowledge or experience with data analytics pipelines such as one of the following:(Kafka, Prometheus, Grafana, time-series databases)Preferred QualificationsKnowledge of 5G architecture, O-RAN, RIC, or 3GPP NWDAF conceptsExperience with machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn)Experience with cloud-native technologies i.e. dockerExposure to reinforcement learning, graph analytics, or network optimizationPrior experience with telecom data, simulations, or digital twin.Job Application Submission WindowThe anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: Post Graduate / Annual Salary Range: $57,900 - $95,500NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.* Based on eligibility rulesBadging RequirementNLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.Drug Free WorkplaceNLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.Submission GuidelinesPlease note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application..Equal Opportunity EmployerAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.Reasonable AccommodationsE -Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to workE-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.