Hardware Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Research Internship (Summer 2027) (76529)

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Mission Focused Tools to improve reverse engineering and embedded system development capabilities, integrating hardware, software, and reverse engineering tasks
• Support the latest Mission Focused Tools Unit’s research and development programs
• Learn and improve your reverse engineering and vulnerability research skills through project and team building activities
• Conduct and / or participate in assigned technical tasks and activities with minimum supervision and within time and budget constraints.
• Work independently and effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment; Effectively communicate ideas with other engineers; and work with minimal supervision

Key Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree program in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or any other related field of study
• Must have at least 1-year of college level coursework completed HARDWARE EXPERIENCE
• Common passive and active components (resistors, capacitors, timers, ICs, etc.)
• Laboratory tools (Logic analyzer, oscilloscope, multimeter)
• Reading datasheets
• Experience writing and debugging microcontroller firmware in C, C++, or Rust
• Fundamental knowledge of computer architecture and experience working with computer assembly languages (x86, x64, ARM, MIPS, PowerPC)
• Familiarity with disassemblers/decompilers (IDA Pro/Free, Ghidra, Binary Ninja)
• Interest in one or more of the following areas: Computer Network Defense (CND), Computer Network Operations, Information Operations, and/or Cyber Operations Electrical engineering, microelectronics, and embedded systems Reverse Engineering, Vulnerability Research/Discovery
• Computer Network Defense (CND), Computer Network Operations, Information Operations, and/or Cyber Operations Electrical engineering, microelectronics, and embedded systems Reverse Engineering, Vulnerability Research/Discovery
• Traditional electronics lab equipment supporting test and debug activities
• Reverse engineering embedded hardware and software
• Analyzing disassembled code
• Ability to demonstrate good organization, communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills
• Must be a sole US citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to apply learned cyber skills to real life scenarios (internships, hack-a-thons, cyber security clubs, CTFs, etc.)
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience with one or more of the following areas:
• High level software languages such as Java, C#, or Python
• Low level debug tools such as GDB, OllyDbg, WinDbg, or Immunity Debugger
• Microcontroller design and assembly languages
• Embedded communications protocols (UART, SPI, I2C, CAN, etc.)
• Wireless communications protocols (BLE, Wi-Fi, LoRA, etc.)
• Fault injection tools and techniques (ChipShouter, ChipWhisperer, Silicon Toaster, EMFI, LFI/OFI, etc.)

Compensation Data

• The salary range for this role is $20.00 – $40.00 per hour, in addition to a $2,000 housing stipend for students relocating more than 50 miles from home and university. Internship pay is benchmarked against national averages taking into consideration a student's major and year in school.
• Preparing You for Career Success The Battelle intern and co-op program is a great way to increase experience both on a team and as an independent contributor. Ninety-eight percent of internship survey respondents said they felt better prepared to enter the workforce after their Battelle internship and 100% said they were treated with respect by their colleagues. You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Become the next generation of scientific leaders and business professionals
• Are you ready to help solve the most important challenges of today and tomorrow? If so, we are ready to support you with:
• Flexible work schedules: Most teams follow a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Employee Resource Groups that help cultivate an inclusive and welcoming community
• Social and professional networking events with Battelle Senior Leadership and your colleagues
• Opportunities for philanthropic involvement to give back and make an impact in the community

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