Cyber Security Systems Engineer Intern

Job Overview

We are searching for an undergraduate student to join our Cybersecurity Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This paid internship will support the unclassified cybersecurity assurance team in compliance and operations.

• Perform tier 1 compliance, audit, and continuous monitoring tasks.
• Assist senior analysts on larger‑scale projects focused on automation and threat identification.
• Enforce compliance and maintain related documentation.
• Configure and administer SIEM and other security tools.
• Manage vulnerability assessments and remediation.
• Conduct audit and security checks.
• Improve processes through automation.
• Provide technical writing for policies, processes, and procedures.
• Review hardware and software configurations.

• Current undergraduate student studying Information and Cyber Security, Information Science and Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
• Knowledge of defensive cyber tools such as firewalls, SIEM, XDR/EDR, CASB, FIM, IDS/IPS.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals.
• Experience with system administration and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in scripting (bash, Python, etc.).
• Familiarity with compliance or auditing concepts.
• Knowledge of NIST documentation (e.g., 800‑171, 800‑53) and STIG.

Work schedule:

up to 20 hours per week during fall and spring semesters and 40 hours per week during summer.

Location:

Applied Research Laboratory, State College, PA. Remote or hybrid work is not guaranteed. This internship provides paid hours; relocation and housing are not provided.

Candidate must be a U.S. citizen. Successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen and a government security clearance is required. The position may be subject to a government background investigation.

Penn State is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.