Job Description

Are you a creative and inventive engineer who loves to understand how things work?

Are you interested in reverse engineering and exploiting software and hardware devices?

Would you enjoy collaborating with outstanding reverse engineers to make impactful contributions to national security cyber challenges?

If you are pursuing higher education in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a similar degree, you may be a great fit for an internship with our team at APL!

As an intern in the Systems Exploitation group, you may...

• Exploit hardware, firmware, and software
• Reverse engineer embedded systems
• Collaborate with teammates to identify vulnerabilities or security weaknesses stemming from publicly disclosed information or previously unknown vulnerabilities
• Aid in the development of proof-of-concept capabilities or extend existing capabilities
• Explore techniques for automating binary analysis and reverse engineering
• Learn from experts in the field of software development, reverse engineering, and vulnerability analysis

Interns typically work as part of a larger team and are given tasking scoped to match the duration of stay. At the end of the internship, you will prepare a short presentation highlighting your work and project contributions (snacks will be provided-- we make it fun!).

You meet our minimum qualifications if you are...

• Pursing a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Proficient with programming languages such as C, C++, Python
• Familiar with software debuggers and/or static analysis tools (Windbg, Ollydbg, IDA Pro, Ghidra, etc)
• Comfortable with Linux/Unix Operating Systems
• Familiar with one or more assembly languages (x86/x64, MIPS, ARM, etc)
• Able to obtain a Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond if you are also familiar with…

• Cross compiling toolchains for embedded devices
• Android and/or iOS internals
• Basic exploitation techniques such as buffer overflows and command injections
• Symbolic execution engines such as angr
• Windows and/or Linux internals
• Hardware design and prototyping

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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