Undergraduate / Graduate (Spring / Summer) Intern - Cyber Security Research – 5G
Ora
Summary
The National Laboratory of the Rockies’ (NLR) cybersecurity research is strengthening our grid against tomorrow's threats. The selected intern would join the Cyber Mission Assurance team to support research efforts within the Cybersecurity Research Center’s portfolio including: characterization of the potential for U.S. electric grid disruption from natural hazards and human threats; assessment of the cybersecurity of distributed energy systems; and strengthening the resilience of the U.S. electric grid.
Job description
The Cyber Mission Assurance team is looking for talented Software or AI Engineering interns to help build intelligent, data-driven applications for 5G and emerging 6G networks. This internship focuses on developing RIC rApps, xApps, and dApps, along with NWDAF-based analytics, enabling closed-loop automation and AI-powered optimization across the RAN and core network. Interns will work on cloud-native, microservice-based systems that apply machine learning and advanced analytics to real network data, contributing to next-generation autonomous networks.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement RIC applications: rApps (non-real-time optimization and policy-driven automation), xApps (near-real-time RAN control and optimization), dApps (distributed and domain-specific intelligent network functions)
- Develop and enhance NWDAF analytics functions for performance monitoring, prediction, anomaly detection, and optimization
- Build AI/ML models for network intelligence (forecasting, classification, reinforcement learning, root-cause analysis)
- Implement closed-loop automation workflows using AI insights and RIC control interfaces
- Develop cloud-native microservices using containers and Kubernetes
- Integrate with O-RAN and 3GPP interfaces (A1, E2, O1, service-based APIs)
- Process and analyze large-scale, time-series and streaming network data
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams on design, testing, and validation
- Document software designs, experiments, and technical results
What You Will Learn
- End-to-end development of RIC rApps, xApps, and dApps in 5G/6G systems
- Practical implementation of NWDAF-based analytics and AI pipelines
- Applying AI/ML to closed-loop network automation
- Building telecom-grade, scalable cloud-native software
- Insights into 6G intelligence, autonomous networks, and standardization trends
Requirements
- Minimum 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
- Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date
- Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, AI/ML, or a related field
- Strong programming skills in Python, Go, Java, or C++
- Demonstrated knowledge or experience in software engineering principles, data structures, and algorithms
- Experience working in Linux-based environments, command line, and networking
- Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience with AI-driven systems, distributed software, and telecom networks
- Knowledge or experience with data analytics pipelines such as one of the following: Kafka, Prometheus, Grafana, time-series databases
- Knowledge of 5G architecture, O-RAN, RIC, or 3GPP NWDAF concepts
- Experience with machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn)
- Experience with cloud-native technologies i.e. docker
- Exposure to reinforcement learning, graph analytics, or network optimization
- Prior experience with telecom data, simulations, or digital twin
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- 403(b) Matching
- Sick Leave
- Performance-Based Awards
- Relocation Reimbursement
Company overview
Ora is the world's leading full-service ophthalmic drug and device development firm, operating as a specialized contract research organization (CRO) focused exclusively on ophthalmology. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company has over 45 years of experience in advancing eye care innovations globally. Ora provides comprehensive research and development services spanning preclinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory strategy, and product development for both pharmaceutical and medical device companies. With operations across the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia, the company has helped clients achieve more than 85 product approvals to date. Ora's expertise covers a wide range of ophthalmic conditions including allergy, dry eye, retina diseases, glaucoma, and anti-infective therapies. The company employs over 500 ophthalmology specialists who utilize proprietary clinical models, integrated data solutions, and global regulatory strategies to accelerate product development from concept to market. Ora serves a diverse client base ranging from startups to global pharmaceutical and device companies, positioning itself as the trusted partner for ophthalmic innovation worldwide.