Intern - Hardware / Embedded Security Engineer

Itron•Raleigh, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Itron is seeking a motivated intern who is excited to learn and contribute in the areas of hardware security and embedded systems. This internship is a hands-on, lab-based learning and evaluation program focused on hardware-level analysis, firmware interaction, and embedded device security validation. You’ll work collaboratively with a Hardware Security team in a technology environment supporting solutions used in the Utilities & Energy sector, where reliability, safety, and customer trust are essential.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related program with an embedded and/or hardware focus (or equivalent academic experience).
Foundational understanding of microcontrollers and embedded systems concepts.
Familiarity with C/C++ programming and basic software engineering practices.
Interest in firmware, hardware interaction, and low-level system behavior, with a curiosity-driven approach to learning.
Comfort working with lab equipment and hands-on setups, including careful handling and safe lab practices.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, with a commitment to being accountable, agile, and supportive of team goals.
Ability to communicate progress and findings clearly (written and verbal) in a way that supports shared understanding and customer-focused outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Experience (coursework, projects, labs, or internships) with debugging interfaces such as JTAG, SWD, and UART.
Exposure to embedded development or firmware-based projects (academic, personal, or community).
Familiarity with firmware analysis concepts and/or secure coding practices.
Experience using lab tools such as logic analyzers and oscilloscopes.
Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles, particularly as they relate to embedded devices and product security.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and contribute ideas that improve processes or outcomes (innovative, team-oriented mindset).

Responsibilities

Work hands-on with embedded devices in a lab setting to support customer-centric security outcomes for products and systems used in Utilities & Energy environments.
Interact with microcontroller-based systems using common hardware debugging interfaces such as JTAG, SWD, and UART, with an authentic learning mindset and attention to detail.
Analyze embedded communication interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, UART) to better understand system behavior, data flow, and potential security considerations.
Assist with firmware workflows including extraction, flashing, and low-level debugging to support agile iteration and reproducible lab practices.
Support hardware-assisted testing and validation activities, documenting steps and outcomes so results are clear, accountable, and shareable across the team.
Contribute to firmware analysis and security assessment, including basic static and dynamic analysis to help identify vulnerabilities, insecure coding patterns, and potential attack surfaces.
Participate in hardware security testing (e.g., evaluating device interfaces and physical attack surfaces) using practical lab techniques aligned to responsible testing standards.
Support validation of secure boot and hardware root of trust concepts, helping ensure solutions are resilient and trustworthy for customers.
Assist with threat modeling activities for embedded devices, collaborating with teammates to capture risks, assumptions, and recommended mitigations.
Document findings and remediation recommendations in a clear, inclusive, and actionable format, contributing to innovative improvements and continuous learning.