Intern - Hardware / Embedded Security Engineer

About the role#

This internship is a hands-on, lab-based learning and evaluation program focused on hardware-level analysis, firmware interaction, and embedded device security validation. You will work collaboratively with the Hardware Security team to support solutions used in the Utilities & Energy sector, where reliability, safety, and customer trust are essential.

What you'll do#

• Work hands-on with embedded devices in a lab setting to support security outcomes for products used in Utilities & Energy environments.
• Interact with microcontroller-based systems using hardware debugging interfaces such as JTAG, SWD, and UART.
• Analyze embedded communication interfaces, including SPI, I2C, and UART, to understand system behavior, data flow, and security considerations.
• Assist with firmware workflows, including extraction, flashing, and low-level debugging.
• Support hardware-assisted testing and validation activities, documenting steps and outcomes for team review.
• Contribute to firmware analysis, including static and dynamic analysis to identify vulnerabilities and attack surfaces.
• Participate in hardware security testing and support the validation of secure boot and hardware root of trust concepts.
• Assist with threat modeling activities to capture risks and recommended mitigations.
• Document findings and remediation recommendations in a clear, actionable format.

What you'll need#

• Current enrollment in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related program with an embedded or hardware focus.
• Foundational understanding of microcontrollers and embedded systems concepts.
• Familiarity with C/C++ programming and basic software engineering practices.
• Interest in firmware, hardware interaction, and low-level system behavior.
• Comfort working with lab equipment and hands-on setups, including safe lab practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to communicate progress and findings clearly in written and verbal formats.

Location & details#

• Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States.
• Term: Summer 2026.
• Modality: On-site.
• Schedule: Part-time (20 hours/week) for approximately 3 months.
• Status: Paid internship.