Job Description

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.
Position Description
Summer Intern - Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity
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.
Key Responsibilities
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 ICS and proprietary network protocols
• Utilizing network simulation tools to rapidly create realistic network environments for energy systems

Qualifications
Candidates who are in the process of earning a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline will be considered.
Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well both independently and in teams
• Effective written and oral communication skills

Desired Technical Experience
Experience in a subset of the following areas is desired:

• Programming: C/C++, Python, or Go
• Industrial control system protocols: Modbus, IEC 61850, DNP3, OPC, BACnet
• Network protocol analysis: Tcpdump, Wireshark, or Zeek
• Cybersecurity: Basic cryptographic principles, penetration testing, red team operations, or intrusion detection techniques

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.

Compensation
Hourly pay rates below are effective January 2025 - December 2025 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2026.

• Freshman (BS expected May/June 2029): $24.50/hour
• Sophomore (BS expected May/June 2028): $26.00/hour
• Junior (BS expected May/June 2027): $28.00/hour
• Senior (5-year BS program, completed 4 years by May/June 2026): $31.00/hour
• Bachelor's degree completed in 2026: $34.50/hour
• BS + 1 (BS completed May/June 2025, 1st year of MS in 2025-26): $36.00/hour
• BS + 2 (BS completed May/June 2024, 2nd year of MS in 2025-26, degree not yet conferred): $37.50/hour
• MS (Master's degree expected May/June 2026): $38.00/hour
• MS + 1 (MS completed May/June 2025, 1st year of PhD in 2025-26): $40.50/hour
• MS + 2 (MS completed May/June 2024, 2nd year of PhD in 2025-26): $42.00/hour
• MS + 3 (MS completed May/June 2023, 3rd year of PhD in 2025-26): $43.00/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: 42490

Skills Required