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

NLR; United States; On-site; USD 58,000 - 96,000; Part time

Job summary

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) invites undergraduates and graduates to join the Cyber Security Research – 5G internship in Golden, CO. The role focuses on developing RIC apps and NWDAF analytics within a cloud-native, microservice-based environment, applying AI/ML to automate network operations and secure the electric grid.

You will work on rApps, xApps, and dApps, collaborate across teams, and gain hands-on experience with 5G/6G concepts, O-RAN interfaces, and container

Qualifications

• Minimum GPA 3.0; full-time undergraduate or graduate student; internship up to one year.
• Strong programming skills in Python, Go, Java, or C++ and Linux experience.
• Familiarity with AI/ML and data analytics in telecom networks.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement RIC apps: lApps, xApps, and dApps for 5G/6G.
• Develop NWDAF analytics for performance monitoring and anomaly detection.
• Build AI/ML models for network intelligence and automation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and document results.

Skills

Python

Go

Java

C++

Linux

AI/ML

Docker

Kubernetes

Education

Pursuing BS/MS in CS/EE/AI-ML

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Posting Title Undergraduate / Graduate (Spring / Summer) Intern - Cyber Security Research – 5G . Location CO - Golden . Position Type Intern (Fixed Term) . Hours Per Week 40 . Working at NLR NLR 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 Description

The 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 threats Assessment of the cybersecurity of distributed energy systems Strengthening the resilience of the U.S. electric grid The 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 Responsibilities

• Design 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 optimization
• Build AI/ML models for network intelligence (forecasting, classification, reinforcement learning, root‑cause analysis)
• Implement closed‑loop automation workflows using AI insights and RIC control interfaces
• Develop cloud‑native microservices using containers and Kubernetes
• Integrate with O‑RAN and 3GPP interfaces (A1, E2, O1, service‑based APIs)
• Process and analyze large‑scale, time‑series and streaming network data
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on design, testing, and validation
• Document software designs, experiments, and technical results

What you will learn

• End‑to‑end development of RIC rApps, xApps, and dApps in 5G/6G systems
• Practical implementation of NWDAF‑based analytics and AI pipelines
• Applying AI/ML to closed‑loop network automation
• Building telecom‑grade, scalable cloud‑native software
• Insights 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.

Additional Required Qualifications

Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, AI/ML, or a related field Strong programming skills in Python, Go, Java, or C++ Demonstrated knowledge or experience in software engineering principles, data structures, and algorithms Experience working in Linux‑based environments, command line, and networking Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience with AI‑driven systems, distributed software, and telecom networks Knowledge or experience with data analytics pipelines such as one of the following:(Kafka, Prometheus, Grafana, time‑series databases)

Important 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of 5G architecture, O‑RAN, RIC, or 3GPP NWDAF concepts
• Experience with machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit‑learn)
• Experience with cloud‑native technologies i.e. docker
• Exposure to reinforcement learning, graph analytics, or network optimization
• Prior experience with telecom data, simulations, or digital twin.

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range

Post Graduate / Annual Salary Range: $57,900 - $95,500

Benefits Summary

Benefits 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 rules

Badging Requirement

NLR 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 Workplace

NLR 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All 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 Accommodations

E‑Verify www.dhs.gov/E‑Verify For information about right to work, click here for English or here for Spanish. E‑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.

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for critical minerals, energy innovation, and energy security. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, Fairbanks, Alaska, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NLR bridges foundational research with practical applications to develop and bring to scale new energy materials and technologies that lower energy costs, drive economic growth, and deliver abundant and reliable energy. NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview and for hiring. DOE rules for site access during the interview process depend on whether the candidate is interviewed on‑site, off‑site, or via telephone or videoconference. 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. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NLR by the Department of Energy (DOE). Please review the information on our Hiring Process website before you create an account and apply for a job. We also hope you will learn more about NLR, visit our Careers site, and continue to search for job opportunities at the lab.