Cyber Adversary Defense Optimization Intern

JOB TITLE: Student Internship - Cyber Adversary Defense Optimization LOCATION: ISO New England Inc., One Sullivan Road, Holyoke, Massachusetts, United States of America POSTED DATE: 2026-09-27

JOB DESCRIPTION: ISO New England is the independent system operator responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable flow of electricity in our region and planning for the future of the electric grid. We are at the forefront of New England’s ongoing transition to clean energy. Internship Title – Cyber Adversary Defense Optimization Department – Information Services Minimum Education level: Rising Junior Preferred Majors: Cyber Security, Computer Science, or Artificial Intelligence 🚀 Defend Critical Infrastructure. Fight Cyber Threats. Build the Future of AI-Powered Security. What if your internship helped protect the power grid that keeps more than 14 million people connected every day? At ISO New England, you'll go beyond classroom projects and work at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure protection. As a Cyber Adversary Defense Optimization Intern, you'll help explore how Agentic AI can be used to analyze adversary behavior, uncover cyber attack paths, and recommend defensive actions against sophisticated threats targeting one of the nation's most important systems. If you're passionate about cybersecurity, AI, threat intelligence, or defending against real-world adversaries, this is your opportunity to make an impact where it matters most. Who We Are ISO New England is one of the most pivotal energy companies you’ve probably never heard of. Our job is to oversee the 24/7 operation of the power grid that covers the six-states of New England and to administer the region’s $10+ billion “stock exchange” for buying and selling of wholesale electricity. Our work ensures that over 14 million people can reliably turn their lights on and complete their jobs, take care of their families, and live in comfort with convenience. Department Description The Security Operations Center (SOC) safeguards ISO New England's corporate and operational technology environments against advanced cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure and the electric grid. Our team takes a counter-adversary approach to cybersecurity through: • Threat hunting • Cyber threat intelligence • Detection engineering • Security monitoring • Incident response • Security automation As an intern, you'll work alongside cybersecurity professionals who identify, track, and defeat sophisticated adversaries while helping protect systems that millions depend on. What You’ll be Working On The Cyber Defense team is seeking a highly motivated intern to support the development of a Cyber Adversary Defense Optimization AI Agent. In this role, you will: • Research how Agentic AI can enhance cyber defense operations. • Analyze adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). • Explore attack path analysis and threat intelligence methodologies. • Help design and prototype AI-driven capabilities that identify and prioritize defensive actions. • Support cybersecurity analytics and security automation initiatives. • Collaborate with SOC analysts, threat hunters, and intelligence professionals on real-world security challenges. • Contribute ideas that improve how organizations detect and respond to cyber threats. How You’ll Make an Impact Your work will help advance ISO New England's ability to proactively defend against sophisticated cyber adversaries. By helping develop an AI-powered defense optimization capability, you'll contribute to efforts that: • Identify the most likely paths attackers could take to critical assets. • Prioritize defensive investments and mitigation strategies. • Improve cyber resilience across critical infrastructure environments. • Enable security teams to make faster, smarter decisions. • Advance the application of AI in modern cyber defense operations. This is an opportunity to see your research and ideas applied to real security challenges with meaningful impact. What You’ll Gain • Hands-on experience applying AI to cybersecurity problems. • Exposure to threat intelligence, attack path analysis, and cyber operations. • Experience working in a Security Operations Center environment. • Mentorship from cybersecurity, threat hunting, and intelligence professionals. • Opportunities to build technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. • Experience supporting the protection of critical infrastructure. What We Look for in a Candidate • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field. • Basic Python programming skills. • Foundational understanding of cybersecurity and networking concepts. • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. • Curiosity about emerging technologies and AI-driven security solutions. • Strong communication skills and the ability to learn in a collaborative environment. This employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position (ex: H-1B, F-1/CPT/OPT, O-1, E-3, TN, J, etc.). #LI-DNP The expected hourly range for this position is $19-$36 per hour, depending on your year in college. Interns are eligible for some paid time off benefits and have access to our wellness program. Our internships also provide interns with exposure to the energy industry, mentorships, and real-world experience. This is a U.S. based role. If the successful candidate resides outside of the U.S., relocation will be required. To be eligible for an internship with ISO New England, a candidate must have completed at least the first year of college and be currently enrolled in a four year or graduate-level academic program. Candidates must have the authority to work in the US on a permanent basis, without requiring sponsorship. Equal Opportunity: We are proud to be an EEO employer. Applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, disability (including learning, mental, intellectual, and physical), service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Drug Free Environment: We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.