About the role#
The Cyberspace Operations Research Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking an undergraduate student to join their team. This role focuses on researching adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to perform system vulnerability assessments and provide security hardening support for government sponsors.
What you'll do#
- Research techniques for vulnerability detection, system exploitation, and technical mitigations.
- Develop scripts and applications to automate processes.
- Design experiments and set up test environments.
- Conduct experiments and execute demonstrations.
- Test representative systems under simulated real-world conditions.
- Collect, analyze, and report experimental results.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challenges.
- Develop and optimize prototypes for critical applications.
- Research and document emerging technologies.
- Participate in technical presentations and discussions.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment as an undergraduate student.
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- Eligibility to obtain a government security clearance.
- Proficiency in programming and scripting languages including C, Python, bash, and PowerShell.
- Basic proficiency in Linux-based environments.
- Familiarity with system vulnerability and exploitation concepts.
- Basic knowledge of engineering concepts and the scientific method.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Experience collaborating in team-oriented cultures.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools and technologies.
- Ability to participate in the ARL drug testing program and comply with security monitoring requirements.
Location & details#
- Location: Reston, Virginia.
- Modality: On-site.
- Compensation: This is a paid internship.
- Schedule: Up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, with the opportunity for up to 40 hours per week during the summer.
- Term: Rolling.
About Penn State University
Penn State University is an educational institution founded in 1855. It operates 24 campuses and serves a student body of nearly 88,000 people. The university focuses on education and research. It is based in University Park, Pennsylvania.
How to get in at Penn State University
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