Malware Analysis Intern - Summer 2027

What We Do: The SEI helps advance software engineering principles and practices and serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. Our core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect free, within budget and on time, every time.

Position Summary

You will work as a part of the Threat Analysis Directorate within CERT and will collaborate with a group of security experts focused on advancing the state of the art and practice for analyzing, assuring, and countering software systems to enhance National Security.

You will assist members of the Malware Analysis Team and develop new and innovative tools that drive automation in the malware analysis process. 

You will research and analyze complex problems, leveraging both AI and traditional reverse engineering methods to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

You will analyze malware to thoroughly understand the given malware sample or family and develop tools to help responders deal with sophisticated, novel threats.

You will contribute to a variety of core functions including:

• Tool development and automation
• Malware analysis and reverse engineering capability development
• Program analysis research
• Emerging threats analysis

Requirements:

• Enrolled in a degree granting program.
• Willingness to travel to various locations to support the SEI’s overall mission. This includes within the SEI and CMU community.
• You will be subject to a background check and must be eligible to work in the United States without Visa sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to critically think and problem solve
• Familiarity with a low-level computer programming a language, such as C or C++
• Familiarity with a scripting language, such as python
• Basic knowledge of common cybersecurity tools, such as system and network monitoring tools (e.g. Microsoft Sysinternals)
• Ability to collaborate internally and externally with professional engineers and researchers
• Willingness to learn new technologies with cross-functional teams
• Must be organized, detail-oriented, and have the capacity to clearly document and communicate any findings

Desired Experience:

• Experience with static binary or malware analysis
• Experience with technical writing
• Research experience
• Experience with debugging

These experiences may also come from education-driven experiences or extracurriculars.

Job Function Breakdown:

• Binary analysis, to include the use of reverse engineering tools such as Ghidra and IDA Pro on a variety of microprocess architectures: 25%

• Script and tool development to automatically extract key indicators: 25%
• Design and prototype new analysis and tools: 25%
• Analyze and document complex security threats: 25%

TOTAL = 100%

This position will be onsite at the Pittsburgh office 5 days a week.

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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