2027 Internship - Cybersecurity Engineer/Mathematician - Constrained Cyber Solutions

Description

Do you love to learn, experiment, and push the bounds of science and technology while solving important national security challenges?

Are you searching for a meaningful internship where you can help improve the cybersecurity and resilience of critical systems and missions?

We are seeking interns who are enthusiastic about learning and conducting purposeful research to strengthen cyber missions and support state-of-the-art tactical capability development. Together, we solve complex technical challenges at the intersection of software, hardware, mathematics, and cyber operations. Our team collaborates with industry, academia, and government to study, design, develop, implement, and test cyber capabilities for air, space, afloat, ground, and undersea platforms and systems. We value creativity, collaboration, the open exchange of ideas, and learning through experimentation.

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

• Contribute to research and development in one or more of the following areas:
  • Advanced Cryptography: Research and prototype cryptographic algorithms and techniques for mission-relevant cyber and anti-tamper applications.
  • Embedded Solutions: Apply hardware and software engineering to constrained-system cybersecurity challenges, including low-level software, firmware, FPGA logic, embedded devices, constrained protocols, and low-SWaP capabilities.
  • Offensive Security: Analyze hardware and software systems for potential cyber vulnerabilities and assess their mission impact.
  • Constrained Cyber Integration, Test, Evaluation, and Deployment: Design network and physical testbeds, virtualized ranges, automated test workflows, and evaluation environments to rapidly integrate, test, validate, and support the deployment of cyber capabilities in constrained mission environments.
• Research capability gaps in current platforms and prototype solutions as part of a multidisciplinary team spanning systems engineering, software, hardware, physics, mathematics, and networking.
• Work alongside highly skilled cyber and engineering professionals to solve challenges vital to national security.
• Gain experience communicating technical work through briefings and presentations.

Qualifications

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

• Are pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Have experience with or knowledge of at least one of the following: Python, Rust, VHDL, Verilog, C, C++, Java, MATLAB, or another commonly used programming language.
• Have an educational background, coursework, research, project experience, or demonstrated interest in at least one of the following areas:
  • Advanced Cryptography: Encryption algorithms and techniques, applied mathematics, algorithm development, homomorphic encryption, quantum cryptography, or related cryptographic approaches.
  • Embedded Solutions: VHDL or Verilog; serial bus protocols such as 1553 data bus architecture or CAN bus; FPGA and embedded devices; Vivado and RTL design; or embedded software development in C, C++, or Rust.
  • Offensive Security: Dependency modeling, red teaming, network emulation or virtualization, vulnerability assessment, or reverse engineering and protocol analysis using tools such as Nmap, Ghidra, or Wireshark.
  • Constrained Cyber Integration, Test, Evaluation, and Deployment: Network or physical testbeds, virtualized ranges, automated test workflows, or evaluation environments used to assess cyber capabilities.
• 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 relevant cybersecurity experience through internships, professional roles, coursework, research, personal projects, or similar work.
• Demonstrate the ability to learn about and analyze complex systems from both defender and attacker perspectives.
• Have experience with a range of computing environments and technologies, such as:
• Linux or Unix operating systems.
• Software application development.
• Hardware programming.
• Computer networking concepts such as TCP/IP, sockets, packet capture, protocol analysis, routing, switching, or virtual networks.
• Cybersecurity tools used for network analysis, protocol analysis, firmware analysis, or embedded-system security.
• Have offensive or defensive cyber experience through university cybersecurity competitions, Capture the Flag events, hackathons, cyber clubs, or similar activities.
• Hold an active security clearance.

About Us

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 of perspectives 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 https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 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 [email protected].

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

$22.60 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$47.95 Hourly