Posting TitleUndergraduate/Graduate (Summer) Intern - Cybersecurity Research – Grid Resilience and Risk Analysis

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LocationCO - Golden

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Position TypeIntern (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NLRNLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.

Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

The National Laboratory of the Rockies’ (NLR) cybersecurity research is strengthening our grid against tomorrow's threats. The successful candidate will support research efforts within the Cybersecurity Research Center’s portfolio.

The Cybersecurity Research Center focuses on:

Characterizing potential disruptions to the U.S. electric grid from natural hazards and human threatsAssessing the cybersecurity of distributed energy systemsStrengthening the resilience of the U.S. electric grid

The successful candidate will work on projects involving:

Large-scale grid cybersecurity resilience exercisesPerforming risk analysis and deploying controls to mitigate and prevent threats to the gridAnalyzing and delivering solutions to meet customer objectivesProject management and coordination with stakeholders

Job Responsibilities May Include (but are not limited to):

Perform ad hoc security risk assessments (e.g., NIST CSF, NIST 800-30/53, ISO 27005)Assist with cybersecurity testing using hardware equipment or in virtualized environmentsDeploy experiments related to cybersecurity and resilience using the NLR Cyber RangeCollaborate with cross-functional teams to meet customer objectives and engage with stakeholders (e.g., utilities, DOE)Conduct data analysis and reportingEvaluate customer needs and conduct background research on existing security solutionsMeet project deadlines, navigate a complex project landscape, and complete assigned tasks

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

Enhance their foundational knowledge in protecting the U.S. power gridGain exposure to cross-functional teams within the National Lab complex, DOE, utilities, and other industry entitiesExperience working in real-world, complex cybersecurity challenges and implementations

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Basic QualificationsMinimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution.
Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor’s degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.

Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master’s degree program from an accredited institution.

Post Graduate: Earned a master’s degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
Graduate + PhD: Completed master’s degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.

Please Note:
• Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts, as part of the application process.
• If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date."

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required QualificationsCurrently enrolled in or recently graduated from a bachelor’s or master’s program in cybersecurity, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, IT, Management of Information Systems, or related fields; or currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in one of these fieldsFoundational knowledge in cybersecurityDemonstrated knowledge and experience of TCP/IP networkingAbility to work independently and collaborate in cross functional team environmentStrong communication skillsAbility to gather customer requirements, build and maintain customer relationshipsExperience using consumer AI toolsWorking with virtualization methods and technologies

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with computer networking

Experience with system administration, networking or development

Knowledge of utility operations

Risk assessment expertise

Experience with virtualization, containerization, and system automation (including configuration management and orchestration)

Knowledge or experience in cybersecurity compliance, standards, policy and regulation

Knowledge or experience in power systems

Ability to perform cybersecurity risk quantification

Experience with technical writing, literature reviews, or publishing in conferences/journals

Knowledge of Identity Management and Access Control

Experience working with APIs

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: Graduate / Annual Salary Range: $51,200 - $81,900

NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging RequirementNLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NLR you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

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