Embedded Systems Cyber Security Student Assistant - Fall 2026 - CIPHER

The Embedded Systems Vulnerability Division (ESVD) within the Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research Laboratory(CIPHER) is skilled in reverse engineering, vulnerability discovery, and forensic analysis of embedded systems for Fall 2026. Red team activities focus on vulnerability discovery and the development and demonstration of RF and network-based techniques to gain unauthorized access to and/or exploit information networks. These efforts identify weaknesses and help ensure that mitigations are effective. The Division specializes in wireless and embedded devices such as radios, modems, routers, and embedded controllers comprising various military and Industrial Control System (ICS) networks. Research is also focused on developing innovative tools, architectures, and methodologies for software and microelectronic hardware assurance to support needs in trustworthy embedded computing applications, e.g., Internet of Things (IoT)

ESVD seeks Student Assistants to support teams performing embedded system cybersecurity testing. Successful candidates will need to be able to analyze large problems and break them down into smaller, achievable tasks. To support this they will need to be able to create high-level block diagrams, create custom scripts to support testing and solve problems from first principles. Students will be working on projects that may involve one or more of the following: embedded systems development, hardware reverse engineering (RE), firmware RE, software RE and/or signals analysis.

Working alone and alongside other students is expected. Strong written communication skills are a must.

Experience with capture the flag events, firmware/software reverse engineering with Ghidra or IDA, or software-defined radios is desired. Required Minimum Qualifications Student Assistant

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Must be registered for at least 6 credit hours with your university
• 2.0 or higher GPA

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with capture the flag events, firmware/software reverse engineering, or software-defined radios
• Task / team leadership experience
• Strong math skills and ability to learn complex engineering concepts
• Familiarity with Linux and open source tools
• Configuration management tools
• Ability to clearly communicate technical ideas
• Knowledge of IDA Pro and/or Ghidra
• Experience in 1 or more programming languages

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