Hardware Reverse Engineer/Vulnerability Research Internship (Summer 2027)

Battelle • Columbus, OH

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Battelle is seeking a Hardware Reverse Engineering/Vulnerability Research Intern for the Summer Semester 2027. This is an onsite position located in Columbus, OH. Battelle Cyber Engineers solve complex Computer Science problems in small, agile teams, pushing the boundaries of computing technology with specialized software and hardware in high-powered computer labs. The team has a casual atmosphere and enjoys social activities outside of work. Battelle encourages professional growth and new ideas through its Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.).

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 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.
• Work with minimal supervision.

Benefits

• Competitive Table Tennis and bumper pool
• Housing stipend for students relocating more than 50 miles from home and university
• Flexible work schedules
• Enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement (60% in-office and 40% remote)
• Employee Resource Groups
• Social and professional networking events
• Opportunities for philanthropic involvement

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree