Summer Research Program Intern 2027, CI Cybersecurity, Energy Systems (Group 47)

Location: Lexington, MA, US

The Energy Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops technology solutions that enhance the resilience and efficiency of both civilian and defense energy systems. This includes developing advanced architectures and system designs to improve the resilience of power grids, developing new control techniques for microgrids and distributed energy resources, and developing hardware and real-time simulation testbeds.

The Energy Systems Group seeks a summer intern to work embedded within a multi-disciplinary team that develops advanced technologies for ensuring the security and resiliency of U.S. critical infrastructure, with a particular focus on securing energy systems. The candidate will help design, implement, and test software tools and methodologies to evaluate the cybersecurity resiliency of control systems and the related hardware devices that interface with infrastructure components. The candidate will utilize modeling and simulation (i.e., digital twins) and/or hardware-in-the-loop platforms to evaluate the tools they develop, and may travel with laboratory staff to exercise these tools on real-world infrastructure.

The exact project work will depend upon the intern’s interest and background. Potential projects could include, but are not limited to:

Rehosting embedded system firmware for security analysis

Reverse engineering of embedded systems or their programming software applications

Creating new protocol parsers for industrial control systems and proprietary network protocols

Utilizing network simulation tools to rapidly create realistic network environments for energy systems.

Candidates who are in the process of earning a B.S., M.S., and or Ph.D. in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline will be considered. Proficiency in C/C++, Python, or Go is desired. Familiarity with industrial control system protocols (e.g., Modbus, IEC 61850, DNP3, OPC, BACnet) and/or network protocol analysis (e.g., Tcpdump, Wireshark, or Zeek) is desired. Familiarity with basic cryptographic principles, penetration testing, red team operations, or intrusion detection techniques is desired. A successful candidate must have strong problem-solving skills, work well in teams and independently, and have effective written and oral communication skills.

Summer Research Program Overview

The Summer Research Program offers students the chance to apply their academic knowledge to real-world national security challenges while working alongside leading scientists and engineers. As an SRP intern, you’ll engage in hands-on research, receive dedicated mentorship, and take part in professional development opportunities including workshops, tech talks, and networking events—all while building connections within a vibrant community of peers.

Internships are typically 10–12 weeks, with flexible start and end dates, typically May through early August.

Housing support is available for eligible non-local interns, including access to discounted university housing in Boston and a one-time taxable relocation payment.

Complimentary daily shuttle transportation is provided from Boston-based housing to and from the Lab.

Learn more about the Summer Research Program at: https://www.ll.mit.edu/careers/student-opportunities/summer-research-program

Compensation

Hourly pay rates are based on the highest academic year or degree completed before the internship start date.

Freshman year completed: $25.00/hour Sophomore year completed: $27.00/hour Junior year completed: $29.00/hour 4th year of 5 year program completed, no degree conferred: $32.00/hour Bachelors completed: $34.50/hour Bachelors + 1, one year of graduate study completed: $36.50/hour Bachelors + 2, two years of graduate study completed: $38.00/hour MS completed: $39.00/hour

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 43492