2025 Internship - Cybersecurity Engineer - Constrained Cyber Solutions

Description

Do you love learning about and improving the cybersecurity of critical military and space systems?

We are seeking interns that are enthusiastic to learn about and perform purposeful research into cyber resilience of military platforms/systems and spacecraft, supporting state-of-the-art tactical capability development. Our team works collaboratively with industry, academia, and government to study, design, develop, implement, and test cyber capabilities applied to air, space, afloat, ground, and undersea platforms and systems.

As a member of our team, you will...

Work on state-of-the art areas of research and development such as but not limited to:

• • Advanced Cryptographic Techniques: Applying algorithm development to current encryption methodologies for optimization an cyber Anti-tamper capabilities
  • Cyber Backfit Solutions -Hardware: Applying hardware design and engineering for cybersecurity constrained system use cases
  • Mission Systems Adversarial Emulation: Mathematical modeling and analysis of real-world, cyber-physical systems to understand how they behave under attack and provide course of actions for remediation
  • Tactical Edge Cyber: Analyze potential cyber vulnerabilities in systems and understand their mission impact

• Research capability gaps in current platforms and prototype solutions in teams from a variety of STEM-related perspectives (systems engineering, software, hardware, physics, mathematical modeling)
• Work alongside world-class professionals to solve challenges vital to national security
• Gain experience giving technical briefings and presentations

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Are pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related fields
• Are skilled in and/or have knowledge in at least one of the following: Python, Rust, VHDL, Verilog, C, C++, Java, MATLAB, or another popular programming language
• Have an educational background or specialization interest in at least one of the following categories:
  • Advanced Cryptographic Techniques: An understanding of encryption algorithms and types (e.g. homomorphic encryption, quantum cryptography, etc.)

• Cyber Backfit Solutions - Hardware: Competency in VHDL and/or Verilog, familiarity with Serial Bus Protocols such as 1553 Data Bus Architecture and/or CANBUS, FPGA and Embedded Devices, Vivado and RTL Design, or Embedded Software Development in C, C++, or Rust

• Mission Systems Adversarial Emulation: Familiarity with dependency modeling, red teaming, and network emulation

• Tactical Edge Cyber: Experience in reverse engineering with NMAP, Ghidra, Wireshark, etc., or operational viability and analysis techniques

• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top-Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have previous relevant experience in internships, professional roles, or personal work in
  the field of cybersecurity that:
  • Demonstrate ability to learn about and see complex systems from a defender or
    attacker point of view
  • Skills or interest in how to design systems to be resilient against cyberattack
• Have skills working with a wide variety of computer systems
  • Linux/Unix operating systems
  • Software Application Development experience
  • Hardware Programming Experience
• Have skills in offensive or defensive cyber, e.g. experience from university cybersecurity competitions (such as Capture the Flags, Hackathons, Clubs, etc.)
• Have an active security clearance

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

About Us

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$21.90 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$46.45 Hourly