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The Energy Systems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops technology solutions that enhance the resilience and efficiency of both civilian and defense energy systems. This includes developing advanced architectures and system designs to improve the resilience of power grids, developing new control techniques for microgrids and distributed energy resources, and developing hardware and real-time simulation testbeds.

Position Description

The Energy Systems Group seeks a summer intern to join a multidisciplinary team focused on strengthening the cybersecurity of the electric grid. The selected candidate will help characterize technology solutions that enable electric utilities to secure Operational Technology (OT) networks and components — the foundational elements of the grid that, when protected, can prevent network intrusions from escalating into impactful cyberattacks.

Key Responsibilities

The intern will help design, implement, and conduct tests within MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) test facility. Potential tasks may include assessing:

+ Vendor solutions that implement Zero Trust (ZT) principles

+ Communication protocols implemented with and without security features

The candidate will analyze whether the products or protocols provide the expected security and evaluate how those security features affect overall system performance. The resulting data and analysis will contribute to guidelines and recommendations developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory for its government sponsors.

Qualifications

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.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

+ Strong problem-solving skills

+ Ability to work well both independently and in teams

+ Effective written and oral communication skills

Desired Technical Experience

Experience in a subset of the following areas is 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

Summer Research Program Overview

The Summer Research Program offers students the chance to apply their academic knowledge to real-world national security challenges while working alongside leading scientists and engineers. As an SRP intern, you’ll engage in hands-on research, receive dedicated mentorship, and take part in professional development opportunities including workshops, tech talks, and networking events—all while building connections within a vibrant community of peers.

+ Internships are typically 10–12 weeks, with flexible start and end dates, typically May through early August.

+ 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.

Compensation

Hourly pay rates below are effective January 2025 – December 2025 and will be reviewed again for Summer 2026.

+ Freshman (BS expected May/June 2029): $24.50/hour

+ Sophomore (BS expected May/June 2028): $26.00/hour

+ Junior (BS expected May/June 2027): $28.00/hour

+ Senior (5-year BS program, completed 4 years by May/June 2026): $31.00/hour

+ Bachelor’s degree completed in 2026: $34.50/hour

+ BS + 1 (BS completed May/June 2025, 1st year of MS in 2025–26): $36.00/hour

+ BS + 2 (BS completed May/June 2024, 2nd year of MS in 2025–26, degree not yet conferred): $37.50/hour

+ MS (Master’s degree expected May/June 2026): $38.00/hour

+ MS + 1 (MS completed May/June 2025, 1st year of PhD in 2025–26): $40.50/hour

+ MS + 2 (MS completed May/June 2024, 2nd year of PhD in 2025–26): $42.00/hour

+ MS + 3 (MS completed May/June 2023, 3rd year of PhD in 2025–26): $43.00/hour

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.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

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