Group 04-47 | SRP Intern - Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity | Energy Systems | Summer 2026 (Lexington, MA, US)

MIT Lincoln Laboratory • Lexington, MA

61d • Onsite

About The Position

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. The Energy Systems Group seeks a summer intern to work embedded within a multi-disciplinary team that develops advanced technologies for ensuring the security and resiliency of U.S. critical infrastructure, with a particular focus on securing energy systems. The candidate will help design, implement, and test software tools and methodologies to evaluate the cybersecurity resiliency of control systems and the related hardware devices that interface with infrastructure components. The candidate will utilize modeling and simulation (i.e., digital twins) and/or hardware-in-the-loop platforms to evaluate the tools they develop and may travel with laboratory staff to exercise these tools on real-world infrastructure. 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.

Requirements

• Candidates who are in the process of earning a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline will be considered.
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well both independently and in teams
• Effective written and oral communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a subset of the following areas is desired:
• Programming: C/C++, Python, or Go
• Industrial control system protocols: Modbus, IEC 61850, DNP3, OPC, BACnet
• Network protocol analysis: Tcpdump, Wireshark, or Zeek
• Cybersecurity: Basic cryptographic principles, penetration testing, red team operations, or intrusion detection techniques

Responsibilities

• Rehosting embedded system firmware for security analysis
• Reverse engineering of embedded systems or their programming software applications
• Creating new protocol parsers for ICS and proprietary network protocols
• Utilizing network simulation tools to rapidly create realistic network environments for energy systems

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees