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MIT Lincoln Laboratory · 2 months ago

Group 04-47 | SRP Intern - Electric Grid Communications Security | Energy Systems | Summer 2026

Lexington, MA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$24.50/hr - $43/hr

Start in 2026 Summer

MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Energy Systems Group develops technology solutions for energy systems resilience and efficiency. The summer intern will focus on enhancing cybersecurity for the electric grid by characterizing technology solutions for securing Operational Technology networks.

BiotechnologyInformation TechnologyNational SecuritySecurity

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Help design, implement, and conduct tests within MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) test facility

Assessing vendor solutions that implement Zero Trust (ZT) principles

Communication protocols implemented with and without security features

Analyze whether the products or protocols provide the expected security

Evaluate how those security features affect overall system performance

Contribute to guidelines and recommendations developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory for its government sponsors

Qualification

CybersecurityProgrammingNetwork protocol analysisIndustrial control systemsSimulation toolsExperimental designProblem-solvingTeamworkCommunication skills

Required

Candidates currently pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, or another engineering discipline will be considered

Strong problem-solving skills

Ability to work well both independently and in teams

Effective written and oral communication skills

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

U.S. citizenship is required

Preferred

Programming: Python; C, C++, Rust, or IEC61131 Structured Text

Industrial control system protocols: Modbus, IEC 61850, DNP3

Network protocol analysis: Tcpdump, Wireshark, or Zeek

Simulation tools: Typhoon HIL, Opal-RT, RTDS

Operating systems: POSIX (BSD) sockets, Linux kernel modules, and/or kernel network I/O controls (ioctls)

Cybersecurity: Concepts and methods for securing OT and networked systems

Experimental design and instrumentation

Benefits

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.